We heard reports coming from Benaulim that last night, after the BVAC's confrontation with the Colva Police station regarding the arrests of 2 Benaulim youths, where the stand-off continued well into the night, that the people of Benaulim collectively stoned the houses of the Benaulim Sarpanch and some of the Panch Members. As I am writing this, I have reports that this arson is being presently covered by the TV News Channel 'Prudent Media' where the house of the Benaulim Sarpanch is reported to be in bad shape after the said arson.
A short while ago, I spoke to Gerandine Fernandes, the convenor of BVAC to confirm the reports on arson and if BVAC was in anyway involved. And just as well, Geraldine has denied any and all involvement of the BVAC or the citizens connected to BVAC in this arson. She has gone on record to say that this is a planned arson executed from the other side to finish BVAC and its agitation. In her own words " We are battling to send the correct picture that there are forces, official or otherwise wanting to intimidate BVAC through pinning of this arson on to it, so that life of the members associated with BVAC are made miserable. Therefore, the message is: Look elsewhere to hold the culprits accountable for this arson. We knew Geraldine & Co. would never agree to such a deed. We are proud of BVAC and its accomplishments. We strongly suggest that BVAC gets into the next election mode of the Benaulim Panchayat by fielding a 'PANEL' of candiates who will have 'AGREED TO DISAGREE' on a set written down Manifesto and the code of conduct for the Panchayat members whetted by the entire village of Benaulim. The entire Benaulim should support the 'panel' and get the People's Panel elected to the Panchayat. It will then be so easy to not only beautify Benaulim but afford all Benaulimkars to live in peace and enjoy every good night sleep. This 'Panel' System of elections to Panchayats Goa wise could be the raison d'etre of the Panchayati Raj system of self governance where 'agree to disagree' makes all the difference and where individual persons with hidden agendas are eliminated from the race of panchayat elections. Goa can then see Benaulim crawling back to normalcy, affording the beauty and the original hospitality of the people to the entire world. floriano goasuraj