The people of Goa are agitated over the silence of a majority of Catholic MLA's on the issue of bringing about the amendment to section 2(c) of The Goa Daman & Diu Official Language Act 1987.
Many of these 14 MLA's irrespective of the party they belong to have in private vociferously expressed that Roman script should be given official recognition. The only difference is that some feel that a) use it as an emotive issue at the time of elections by including it in the election manifesto b) bring the amendment now itself in the 20th March, 2006 Most of the Hindu Bahujan Samaj MLA's have agreed to support this move if in the ruling side or not oppose it if in the opposition. Therfore either way -- the people of Goa would like the Cristao MLA's to make the first move. Thus far Dr Wilfred A De Souza NCP MLA Saligao and Deputy CM on his behalf and on behalf of his Ministerial colleague Mr Francisco (Mickey) Pacheco MLA Benaulim have expressed full support if the amendment is brought about as they cannot do so being Ministers. Now it is left for the others to follow suit. The reason why the community is shown distinctly is not to whip up communal passions but because it is generally the Catholics who are conversant with the Roman script and if not, obviously ought to support the recognition of this age old script while the Hindu Bahujan Samaj who are frank enough to admit that Konkani in Roman script is the natural script followed by the Catholics in Goa. Since the time is short for putting up the question before the 20th March 2006 Goa Assembly session, this message is sent out. Meanwhile Goans worldwide should question their respective MLAs on the issue and if possible post on the net the views of the respective MLAs. The same excercise will be carried out in Goa by a team of young writers shortly. GODFREY J I GONSALVES [EMAIL PROTECTED] Borda Margao Goa 9822158584 __________________________________________________________ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com