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Dears,
It has been unanimously decided to mark Martyr's Day on 30 January, 2007
with solemnity and to re-dedicate ourselves to the empowerment of the people
while acknowledging the gains of the awakening launched as the SAVE GOA
Campaign from the Azad Maidan, Panaji, where it all began on 18 December,
2006.
The programme will be three pronged:
1. A fast by volunteers of GBA at the Martyr's Memorial, Azad Maidan,
Panaji.
2. A rally to acknowledge the gains of the people's movement that is GBA and
3. A call to re-dedicate ourselves to the empowerment of the people at every
level, from the Gram Sabha to the Legislative Assembly of Goa.
The GBA members present noted that the Goa Government has yielded to the
people's demand articulated by the GBA and committed to de-notify the
Regional Plan 2011 with retrospective effect from 10 August, 2006. The
battle has been won and we will publicly acknowledge this while
re-dedicating ourselves to continue the war against anti-Goan activities. We
will also wait to read the text of the notification before commenting on it.
The reports from the GRAM SABHAs conducted today all over Goa are very
encouraging. Across the state the people have stated their demand for the
scrapping of the notified Regional Plan 2011 in no uncertain terms. Whether
it was Taleigao or Soccoro, Benaulim or Chicalim, Goa Velha or Velim the
Gram Sabhas have passed the Resolution asking for the de-notification at the
special Gram Sabha on Republic Day. Unwilling or hesitant Sarpanch and
Panchas were made to convene the Gram Sabha after the flag hoisting and the
resolutions passed. Truth triumphs over all lies. The minutes books of the
Panchayats now bear testimony to this truth.
The action of the Chairman of the Flying Squad, Adv. Aires Rodrigues, of
holding a press briefing and using the name of the GBA was also discussed.
While he was free to clear his name regarding the legal sale of land to a
builder, it was felt that he need not have dragged the name of the GBA in
the issue at his briefing.
The Core Committee members disagreed with the suggestion of Adv. Satish
Sonak that each NGO/group be allowed to nominate 3 or 4 members to the Core
Committee and thereby expand it. This matter was discussed earlier also and
it was agreed that the present Core Committee size be retained and a larger
group, including the Taluka Co-ordinators and activists be invited for
planning affirmative actions, as may be needed.
Members were also requested not to hold press briefings on behalf of the
GBA without the express consent of the Core Group. They are free to express
their personal opinions as their personal opinions, not of the GBA. The
Convenor and the Secretary will speak on behalf of the GBA.
About a dozen members have agreed to join the 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. [7 hours
long] fast on 30 January, 2007 at Azad Maidan. Any one else willing to join,
may please indicate this by 29 January.
Viva Goa.
Miguel
