Mourn the Goa land sale in Delhi or celebrate Gandhi Jayanth in Goa?i

While many celebrate birth anniversary of M.K.Gandhi today in India the rapacious corporate wolves are devoring Goa on Delhi. Our land is put on platter to be traded, to be sold, to be purchased.

Goa has been put on National Highlighter at an exclusive property Expo. This is indeed so sickening and we wish Soviet Union had never exercised veto at UN security council on 18 December 1961 to facilitate India's annexure of Goa through conquest.

M.K. Gandhi had no position on Goa. He fought British. Not Portuguese rule in Goa. One needs to examine reasons for this political position he took. What would be Gandhian position on outright scandalous co-ersive corporate takeover of Goa's land in India's capital New Delhi?

It's choice one needs to make whether to celebrate Birth Anniversary of M.K. Gandhi or mourn sale of Goa as 'property' in Delhi. For State its celebration. For People in Goa it's mourning: sorrowful sagas for Goa once again planned in Delhi whiled executed in Goa. 

Ranes and their mercenary administration over Goa

Why it is important to know about earstwhile mercenary administrators of Goa?

While the role of town planners of Goa and board members under Town and Country Planning Act has attracted increasing attention due to dubious reasons of rapid land conversion into settlement zone there is need to further understand the way Goa's current TCP department functions. 

TCP department is currently headed by Vishwajit Rane. His brazen approach to transfer Goa's land through ammedments to TCP are attracting increasing unrest. The way he dealt with 16 B, 39 A and 17 (2) to parcel out Goa's land to moneyed section of India has been sufficiently noted. What is also noted is the way Vishwajit Rane goes about tactical withdrawal of the TCP sections and re-introduces nefarious principles through different paths. There is something peculiar the way he goes about. After making commitments of land conversions to his known ones from all over India he deploys powerful and cunning initiatives to fulfill the commitment. The matter is no longer restricted to satisfaction of those who sponsored his election campaign. It's much beyond sale of Goa at all costs. He goes all out to facilitate handing over Goa's land to rich and powerful irrespective of how loudly people of Goa shout.

Portuguese who has unique acumen for governing Goa since 25 November 1510 has kept detail documentation on how they dealt with Vishwajit Rane's ancestors.

Portuguese government codified "Reģime para a concessão de terrenos do Estado da Índia" on 24 November 1917 and published in 1918 by Nova Goa - Imprensa Nacional. This document in English would mean Regime for the concession of land in the State of India.

Rule of Ranes under Portuguese fugure under Articles 222 and 223. The following is the English translation of Portuguese text of Article 222:

"There will be a book of accounts in survey department in which all the dessais, accadares and mercenaries who own and administer any of the dessaiados or mercies will be entered.

& Unique. The desaiados and other mercenaries mentioned in this article and currently existing in the State of India are those designated in the Maps annexed in nos 1 and 2 thus being considered as a provisional summery of some mercenaries."

In deed there is annexure of Map.2 on page 88 of the Reģime with a title (English translation):

Dissatisfied & other favors/bounties mercenary administrators 

Maulinguem: Sodogi Gonobá Ranes

Saleli: Candobá Vitoba Ranes

Gululêm: Umaga Zalbá Ranes

Querim: Zoitogi Raugi Ranes

Sanvordem: Ramachandrá Custobá Ranes

Poriem: Ballá Virobá Ranes

Advoi: Manica Zotobá Ranes

The political history of ancestors of Vishwajit Rane has been that of mercenary. The distinguishing character of mercenary relationships with State is extraction of largess through diplomacy of co-ercion of various kinds. Ranes extracted admistration of large tracks of lands from Portuguese through use of co-ercion for self-agrandisement.

Current rule of Vishwajit Rane must be assessed from perspective of mercenary legacy of his ancestors. Minute examination is needed both from within Sattari and without Sattari to understand detail political mercenary maneuvering currently underway from the office of TCP Minister. 

Can anything different be expecting from Vishwajit Rane whose ancestors has left his trail-blazing mercenary legacy other than intensified loot and plunder of Goa?

For mercenary rule what matters is power, wealth, privileges. Political Parties doesn't matter. Political Power matters. Political Parties can be changed easily. Mercenary needs captive souls. Sattari supplies those as per needs of votes in democracy. His father was never even an MLA from BJP Party, yet he enjoys lifetime cabinet status as his retirement largesse from BJP government. This is what mercenary rule yields. Mercenaries makes no qualms about crying in public if that will suit the situation. Many remember Vishwajit Rane crying next to Late Manohar Parrkar. His marriage to Divya has yielded his access to mining baron wealth. Divya in turn has harvested political power from Rane's mercenary politics. Their power together encompasses TCP, Health, Forest, Mining and more. 

This is a broad canvas on for Rajesh Naik Go Back! Rajesh Naik go home! You have caused enough damage! These are slogans from October 01, 2024 protest call given by Swapnesh Sherlekar. 

https://youtu.be/GbLIHKJXihM

Who appointed Rajesh Naik in TCP office in the first place? Are there mercenary strings attach that moves his mind?

Amidst Gross Discrepency All is Not Well In Moira Project permisions

This document presented to Moira Panchayat about controversial project in Moira in survey no. 154/7 has valuation report for another plot with survey no. 154/27.

Form I & XIV attached is about survey no. 154/7. No land documents are presented to the Panchayat about survey no. 154/27.

How did the Panchayat authorities allot permision with such gross discrepancies? 

All roads leads to Moira! See the Traditional House before its wiped off!

This is the house in Maroon and yellow with white cross exalted high above is must place to visit to get glimpse of it before it gets wiped away from the land of Moira. 

Teacher Julia D'souza, 78 is going through sleepless moments contemplating prospects of life when her house and home is placed under Delhi and Haryana real estate threats. She is at her house and used to feel at home. This changed all of sudden when Delhi capital found its way in Moira to mess things up for her and her family.

The house is located at Sataporio, Moira and  Delhi real estate agents has already started cutting down the trees she held dear. To make matters worse she realized that portion of the sold land has her house wall as boundary and half the house can be pulled down any moment.

There is some kind of Trinity of unholy nature that has combined on record to buy off the 675 square meters of land constituting survey no. 154/7. Julia worried about the fate of her house where in she has invested so much of her finances to repair the roof, and importantly her emotions.

Julia filed complaint before Village Panchayat of Moira on 02 September 2024 calling for urgent site inpection addressing the letter to Sarpanch/Secretary. In her complaint she called for immidiate site inspection and make provisions for adequate safeguards for her house. So far Moira Panchayat has given her a deaf ear fortnight. This raised an element of doubt on Moira Panchayat whether it cares more for Delhi real-estate lobby all out to buy Goa off and care-a-dam for local people of Moira like that of Teacher Julia. Perhaps there is adequate palm greesing of the officials to facilitate blind eye to complaint raised by senior citizens like Teacher Julia. 

Additionally Teacher Julia has her 86 year old husband Joaquim C. D'souza to care for in the house in addition to her cat and fowls. Life has been tough for this lady who was active in consumer movement in Goa till recently. 

Though there is cross inscribed on top of her house local Church in Moira has been silent spectator and perhaps would even be delighted to see one arm of the Cross being crushed when machines puts its Jaws. House has been blessed by priests and one who sold as per available records is Sebastian Jeremeios D'souza.

Though Teacher Julia is at her house in Moira yet she no longer feels at home. She feels increasingly alienated and in desperation due to hostile developments around her house. This situation on what she is going through is known as Solastalgia - house no longer a home due to changes outside. She feels helpless as Aldona MLA Carlos Fereira in accessible inspite of contacting his office staff past several days. 

She has overwhelming sorrow and eyes full of tears to greet anyone visiting her house that once upon a time was a joyous home with her two Children. 

While law in place is in all support to Haryana/Delhi Trinity consisting of Amrit Mohinder Uttam, Naresh Paul and Arjun Manga who claims to hold Power of Attorney for Amrit Mahinder Uttam.

The Trinity is allowed by Moira Panchayat to construct housing project with swimming Pool.

All this 'development' has caused deep upheaval in the life of Teacher Julia D'souza. This post is an effort to listen to her side of story, her life narrative as a native from Goa versus the cunning real estate agents from Delhi and Haryana. She needs care, she needs empathy, she needs someone to listen to her story: amplify. So far she has received shocks and arrogance that is rude.

This post is meant to facilitate this process. Process of reclaiming what Goa is through listening, through communicating and most importantly to restore sanity and Tranquillity. 

The mode of development that Goa currently follows is colonial. Outright sale. Merchandise. Goa's latest coloniality can be dated back to 18 December 1961 when USSR exercised veto power at UN security council legitimizing Indian occupation of Goa in violation of International law. Subsequently coloniality strengthen its hold. Now what's happening in the life of Teacher Julia D'souza is strangulation through coloniality. We have arrived to this state through the hard work put in to brainwash people of Goa that we achieved liberation on 19 December 1961.

If 1961 was a liberation than there would have been no tears in the eyes of Teacher Julia D'souza. Something sinister happened then and we are harvesting its fruits. Tree can be known by its fruits. If 1961 was a liberation of Goa in true sense then there would have been no tears in the eyes of Teacher Julia D'souza in 2024, there would have been no sorrow in her heart. No way Uttam, Paul and Manga, and others like them would have been able to play havoc with Moira and rest of Goa.

Looking at the situation at hand it is suspected that neither Goa State Assembly nor Panchayat are existing to defend her. If these institutions cannot defend her, cannot heal her, cannot restore her lost dignity then for what purpose then need to exist? Isn't it ready proof of coloniality in action?

Sprinter Completes His Marathon: Tribute to Anthony Veronica Fernandes

 (Picture from his Facebook page)

Anthony Veronica Fernandes was to me sprinter first, footballer second, Tiatr critic third, Konkani lover fourth, family man fifth, freedom fighter for Kuwait sixth, freedom lover for Goa seventh, fearless journalist eight, defender of senior citizen's rights ninth, publisher tenth, able bussiness administrator and an activist of global stature eleventh though always not in this sequence. He died on 12 September 2024 in Candolim, Goa. 

Candle of Justice burned bright in his heart throughout. He was a sprinter in his school days at Arpora in relays and extended his sprints into marathon of time to finish it off solo. He possesed extremely generous heart and I have been the beneficiary of his kindness on few occasions. He found his way through in acknowledgement page of my doctorate and I remain grateful to him.

I first got to know him post Gulf War period in early 1990 when he put together formidable network of support: Kuwait Goan Solidarity Centre with Roland Martins animating the process in Goa. After US attacked invading Iraqi troops in Kuwait and then went back Anthony was happy man and sad at the same time. He would express his dilemma often driving home core values of liberation. US invaded Kuwait drove away Iraqi troops returned Kuwait to Kuwaitis. That wasn't done in case of Goa. India attacked Portuguese in Goa but never left Goa after driving Portuguese way. They replaced Portuguese: annexed through conquest. Anthony Veronica was heartbroken at the unfolding tragedy in front of his eyes. He once told me "we are in hopeless situation."

His passion for Goa was as intense as his love for Goa. The two combining in person of Fr. Chico Monteiro, his fellow villager from Camdolim. Anthony Veronica described himself as "Pet" of Fr. Monteiro sharing very close affectionate relationship as a child. On that fateful day when Indian forces made their ways to arrest Fr. Monteiro at his Candolim residence Anthony Veronica resisted the police. However Fr. Monteiro pacified Anthony Veronica with an assurance that truth shall prevail and he shall face his trial in prisons in Goa as well as in Patiala, Punjab. The close friendship between these two allowed percolating of information on the cruel tortures that Fr. Monteiro was subjected to in Patiala prison being put on trial for asserting his Portuguse nationality and his right to reside in Goa which is his home. His trial never got concluded and Fr. Monteiro was released from Patiala jail in an international deal that includes Portugal releasing two people from India Dr.Telu Mascarenhas from Colvale and Mohan Ranade from Pune. India called them Freedom fighters. Portugal had imprisoned as terrorists. Fr. Monteiro shared graphic details as to how dreaded criminals in Patiala jail were released on to him during meal times and let loose to torture him in most inhuman manner: excrating in Fr. Monteiro's food plate. He beared all this and shared his memories with Anthony Veronica being close friend and fellow villager, fellow footballer-in-arms.

Anthony Veronica was heart broken when Fr. Chico Monteiro died. Anthony Veronica was one amongst them who shouldered Fr. Monteiro's coffin on his funeral day. Candolim Parish Priest was furious at this and scolded Anthony Veronica. Anthony Veronica - whom controversies never left for a day - shouted back at the Parish Priest " I will bang the coffin on your head!" stunned Parish Priest went away from the path of mighty sprinter.

Anthony Veronica always stood up for truth. He wrote fearlessly against politicians, tiatrists and even against clergy. He kept the flag of Justice flying high and raised the standard with his every piece of writing.

I connected later on in 2008 while mining agitation was at its peak. Anthony Veronica joined the meeting at Prema building in Flat that was allowed to be used to conduct meetings of mining affected people, courtesy Adv. Albertina Almeida. At the meeting in June 2008 where he came over to support the movement in defence of ecology from mining predators I spoke to him first informing him that it was great meeting him yet again after Kuwait post war agitation of 1990 that he led. He expressed his regret for not remembering me in a style unique to him "with a folded hands, I apologize!" We connected and then disconnected for another decade.

Then sometime around 2015 I saw message on his Facebook page that he is threatened by some South Goa Tiatrists. I called him to know and then then collaborated almost for half a decade on range of issues. He became very good friend of my wife Margarida Silveira till her death in 2021. He got her to speak at one of the meetings commemorating Kuwait Liberation. After her death he would often burst out in tears recounting her memories, something I couldn't handle as I too was in the process of bereavement and mybemotions raw. I stopped visiting him past few years. He often commended her for courage and daring way of going about in life specially tackling might of clergy and politicians with ease. He often invited us to his Candolim residence and we as families would share some time together.

Anthony Veronica shared his love story too with us. How he was mesmerized my girl from Calangute singing Mando at Mando Festival in Panjim. How he pursued her and married her. He remained strong in his marriage. Fatima supported him at every stage of his life, stayed with him at every controversy and threat that came by his side. Anthony Veronica story is indeed incomplete without acknowledging the stellar role Fatima played in his life and risked life together often. Fatima has been support of immense value in days he wasn't as agile and as athletic in his moves as he was during his days on football ground.

Anthony Veronica commemorated Libration of Kuwait from Iraq invasion for 27 long years. Often Kuwaiti Sheikh attended these functions in Kuwait as well as in Goa. I have witnessed it once too. He was signaling number of indicators through this marathon focus on Kuwait. He was expressing his gratitude for his family prosperity and prosperity of many Goan families due to greener pasture openings in Kuwait. He was in celebration and jubilation that Kuwait is free again. He was driving hard message at Kuwaiti Sheikhs that the people of Goa assisted them personally and politically at the most difficult moments of their history. He was making a point as to what the meaning of Liberation is and deepening his yearnings for Liberation of Goa from current annexure through conquest status.

Anthony Veronica worked hard in Kuwait. He worked in single company that manufactured luxury yachts and exported world over (yet never hesitated to oppose Marina at Nauxim!). He was company's prized employee and sought to be awarded even more after his demonstrated loyalty to Kuwait during war times. He expressed gratitude to government of Kuwait and declined any personal benefits from Government of Kuwait. His only public pleading before the Kuwaiti authorities has been "always keep the doors open for my fellow Goans to come and work in Kuwait!". This pushed him on morally high. He refused personal rewards and took adorned the role as Ambassador of Goa to Kuwait not by any formal appointment but by sheer hard work and character of a leader.

His leadership talents that shone through during Gulf War were immense. He took upon himself to mobilize global political support upon himself. He flew from Kuwait to New Delhi, met leadership of Non-Aligned Movement and urged the nation's to stand in support of Kuwait.

One more fact about Anthony Veronica calls our attention. He confronted J.R.D. Tata face to face in early 1970s when the corporate was constructing Taj Holidays village five star hotel at Sinquerim. He wanted that the hotel must provide jobs to the local people. Corporate did not like his daring confrontation with the Tata empire founder. Anthony Veronica sensed the tension and risks that has come about and started his life focused in Kuwait.

Even though he was physically present in Kuwait his heart was in Goa, with people of Goa struggling both in Goa and Kuwait. He raised over Rs.5 lakh during Konkani agitation,  then several lakh to start Cancer hospital in Goa. In both the instances he met with disappointments. In the case of Konkani movement funding he was given no account of how money was spent, suspicion of corruption persisted. In case of Goa Cancer hospital project; got hijacked and Manipal Hospital inserted instead in its place.

Anthony Veronica remained on board of directors of Hotel Goan Heritage at Calangute for many years. This is the hotel that was taken to the Court by Goa Foundation for violation of CRZ laws. Anthony Veronica and the board stood the grounds and won the case on the basis that it was constructed before CRZ laws were enacted. He believed in cultivating entrepreneurship amongst Goans and led with personal example. Hotel Goan Heritage then became the favored destination where he shared quality time with his wide circle of friends.

In 2016 he published his book "From coconut trees to oil fields" and I had privilege of reviewing that book ( https://bharatmukti.blogspot.com/2016/03/from-coconut-trees-to-oil-wells.html?m=1 ). In addition he wrote regularly online at his blog https://goa-kranti.blogspot.com/?m=0

One look at his blog sends message loud and clear: No plans in this revolution is meant for retreat!

What could be the adequate tribute to Anthony Veronica Fernandes? We need to labour collectively for an answer.

For the moment let's join to offer our support and consolation to his wife Fatima, daughter Avisha and her family and his son Ashton and his family at this moment of loss and sorrow. Goa was privileged to hold Anthony Veronica to bosom while he lived his earthly live. And Goa is proud to pick up on legacy of courage daring that Anthony Veronica has kept us to tred upon, step by step.

May his soul rest in eternal Peace.

Sebastian Rodrigues

Keep The Hope Burning

 Keep The Hope Burning

Just as, a tiny spark can light a fire,

In every Goan, must there be a burning desire.

The air of silence doesn't always mean echoing peace.

Beast, consider not your Strength meaning strong,

Ripping off her brown skin, an act shamefully wrong. 

Consider not, her flowing rivers to be dusky pearls.

The weeping waters indeed her tears.

Just as, a coin has two sides, 

Doesn't mean Head is always on a ride.

The Tail too can flip over and win 

So is the story of every true Gõyekar living in.

Not all flags that glide in the air speak of freedom 

Her swaying trees in the breeze, a prey to the cruel system

Just as fire cannot perish gold in a furnace

Test not the brave Valor of Goans. 

For those whose heart bleed hurt and breath fears,

Your silence will only reap misery and shivers.

It's time to lift your feet, and join the fleet,

As 100s together you shall conquer defeat. 

Bertha Fonseca Kadam,

Page 21, Lily of St. Anthony, August 2024, Vol. 08, XXXIX, Siolim, Goa

Archt. Elsa Fernandes strong message to People of Goa!

Dear All you strong and beautiful people of Goa,

Past more than a month my life was turned upside down by the powers in Santa Cruz Panchayat 

and last couple of days I had to go through attendance at the Old Goa Police station for inquiry into a Police complaint on me as part of the misuse of powers in my Santa Cruz village through coercion by the elected members

I have received unparalleled support across many people of Goa for standing for the rights of simple villagers in the Gram Sabha which reflects the state of our grass root democracy. If Goa grass root panchayat democracy is strong and resilient than Goa is strong and many of you have shown your presence and support to showcase issues connected with this Grass root democracy. 

There are many things which are going wrong and if we all work together to correct that than we will play a big role to save a lot for our future Generations. The issues faced by me in my Gram Sabha are a reflection of many issues needing attention and corrections across many panchayats. A vibrant democracy, an informed representation, a transparent and accountable governance reflects well being in everyone's lives and all of us want this including our adversaries if any.

On that note and for giving your time for this cause through your support in helping me pass through a lot of stressful times due to personal vendetta, I am whole heartedly grateful to each one of you, and I sincerely appreciate each one of you as a pillar in the Grass root democracy of Goa. Together we can make a big difference

DEV BOREM KORUM, 🙏🙏🙏 💚💚💚 

💚GOA💚

Elsa Fernandes

Enviromental Architect

Defiance against Draft CRZ notification 2018

Date: 15^th June 2018

To,

The Director,

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change,

(IA-III Division)

Telefax: 011-24695340

e-mail: arvind.nautiyal@gov.in

J-615, Jal Block, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan,

Jor Bagh Road, New Delhi – 110003

Subject: Defiance against Draft CRZ notification 2018

Sir,

This is in response to the Public Notice dated 18.04.2018 on your ministry’s website with subject “Draft Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2018 – reg.” signed by Arvind Nautiyal calling for comments/ suggestions from all stakeholders within 60 days. Our comments as under:

1. Draft CRZ notification 2018 aimed at supersession of Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2011 excludes Goa from special protection in spite of its most fragile ecology. This made us to reflect deeper after our attempts to activate CRZ laws proved futile for the State of Goa. Recently we filed one complaint with Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) against the construction of bund on the banks of Mandovi River involving cutting down of mangroves in CRZ I B. Construction work sanctioned and funded by Agriculture department, (Government of Goa) and being carried on by private contractor with supervision of Naveli-Goltim Communidade. Our investigations revealed that this work worth more than 10 crore is being carried on without CRZ clearance. RTI queries revealed that Agriculture department never sought permissions from Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA). On the contrary after our complaint GCZMA carried on joint site inspection with us, prepared report but never shared with us even after requesting to do so, and more importantly did not stop the bund construction work in CRZ area. After our investigations we leaned from Mr. Nelson Azavedo, Attorney of the Naveli-Goltim Communidade that CRZ laws are illegally enforced in Goa and Government of India has no jurisdiction to govern any of the Goa’s land.

2. This peculiar situation has arisen due to different colonial history of India and Goa with differing Jurisprudence. While India was governed and ruled by British, Goa was governed by Portuguese with far different legal practice. Portuguese laws in Goa applicable till date conflict with Indian laws relating to land. Portuguese signed Foral document in 1533 with the officials of local self governing village bodies in Goa known as communidades guaranteeing their autonomy in governance of land and village administration. This is a separate history from British rule in India.

3. Even though India attained so called Independence in 1947 its Constitution clearly prescribes dependence upon laws of the British government via Article 147. This is because India was ruled by British and Goa was not. So Constitution is relevant to ex-British colony and not to Goa which was never a British colony.

4. This system continued till Goa got merged into India in December 1961 after Congress government led by Jawaharlal Nehru ordered Indian Army march into Goa on December 17^th 1961 and on 18^th December 1961 mid night Soviet Union exercised veto power over UN Security Council resolution to help India in its mission. India established the so-called control over Goa on 19^th December 1961. Though this event is known popularly as “Goa’s Liberation”, according to one of the Supreme Court of India’s Judgment relating to mining “Goa was annexed through Conquest”.

5. Prior to this conquest India had its Consulate in Goa. Goa was a separate country. With the conquest political status of Goa changed overnight from being a separate country attached to Portugal to Union territory of India. Indian rule in Goa sidelined communidades and established Panchayat rule at village level. This sadly, caused harm to the self-governing system already in place and introduced secret vote based democracy. Commundades are democracy without secret voting but open direct deliberative democracy.

6. Opinion Poll that took place in 1967 it was not whether people of Goa wanted to be part of India or to be Independent nation. Law and economics colluded to severely compromise Goa’s ecological identity.

7. This is particularly so after 30^th May 1987 when Goa was granted status as a separate State within India. The first cabinet meeting itself past tourism master plan within 24 hours of Statehood crowding Goa’s beaches with luxury hotels from North to South of Goa. This was opposed by Student organizations and Tourism Master Plan was dropped.

8. Goa faced renewed pressures on Coast from tourism lobbies after India adopted new economic policy in 1991 when Finance Minister Manmohan Singh ushered in New Economic Policy of Globalization. Several Golf Courses and Star Hotels were proposed on several beaches and land acquired but People of Goa fought back to stop at the planning stage itself. Since then people of Goa has been continuously battling to defend its shores from tourism, rivers from dredging from shipping and mountains from mining.

9. Draft Coastal Regulations Zone Notification is further intensification of this 1961 conquest of Goa, now at the behest of BJP. BJP is funded by corporate rather lavishly and it has grown to be one of the richest Political Party in the World with declared income of Rs. 1034 crore for the financial year 2016-17.

10. More dangerously, functioning of MoEF itself has been viewed with suspicion as Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has publicly stated in past that MoEF accepts bribes to grant Environmental Clearances.

11. Dr. Shailesh Nayak Committee never visited Goa to understand Goa’s  situation from mass of people. Why? 

12. If No Development Zone (NDZ) is applicable within notified Port Limits then it is applicable to Goa’s six National Waterways that are also under Jurisdiction of Mormugao Port Trust?

People of Goa are fully aware of Communidades as self-governing institutions. Government of India cannot full the People of Goa. CRZ in Goa doesn’t stand fruitful in anyway when Commuidades are true decision making bodies since time immemorial. So the issue is not of CRZ but of Freedom from Political regime that has introduced this notification to benefit corporates and banks in search of places to destroy ecology. At the end of 60 days comes 18 June which for us is a day of struggle for freedom, a day of defiance, Goa Revolution Day.

There will be a mass uprising in case these draft coastal regulation notification 2018 are finalized and enforced in Goa.

Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,

 Sd/-

Maggie Silveira

President

Goa Unit

Copy: Member Secretary, Goa Zone Management Authority, Porvorim, Goa

Essential documents regarding Nationalization of Goa's rivers

Here is a list of essential documents to understand nationalization of Goa's rivers:

1. Short background note. click here

2. Expert Appraisal Committee minutes where 228 barges are mentioned behind nationalized Mandovi, Zuari and Cumbharjua canal dredging. Click here

3. Basic law - The Inland Waterways Authority of India Act 1985. Click here

4. Basic Law - The National Waterways Act 2016 by which Goa's rivers are declared as National Waterways. Click here

5. The damage that the State of India is doing by Nationalizing Goa's rivers is similar to what the State of New Zealand did to Maoris from 1840 onward.  Crown apologized after acknowledging the damage done. After fighting for 140 years New Zealand passed law - Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Act 2017. Specially read up Part 3, Sections 69 to 70 on pages 44 to 49. Click here

6. Press Statement from "Our Rivers Our Rights". Click here

7. In 1961 India annexed Goa through conquest. The way Indian state plans savage attacks on Goa's attacks could even put Russians to shame. Time has come to question Russia for supporting Conquest of Goa by exercise of Veto power in security council. Click here.

8. Protection of rivers is a Fundamental duty of Every citizen of India under Article 51-A (g). Click here for copy of the Constitution of India. 

9. Important Maps of rivers and planned projects. Click here.

10. More documents available at Goa Data Center. Click here.

Resources to combat ongoing persecution of Christians in Goa

Theoretically Christianity has no place for caste discriminations. Brahminism or Bamanism is a system of Brahmin supremacy or Bamon supremacy. After resurgent challenge to bamanism from the grass roots elites are unable to manipulate Goa's church leadership in order to control native people who have embaced Christian faith. In an ugly urge to set up Baman Rashtra fear of terror is sought to be unleashed against Catholics in Goa. This has provided unique opportunity to carry on the fight uncompromisingly. This post is meant to increase the stamina of the fighters and to be fighters. Victory is always possible to anyone who refuses to give up fighting. The fight continues. Read on.

Over past one month there has been violent discourse against Christians. Violent discourse is followed by desecration of wayside crosses that are prevalent in Goa. This trend touched a new high at early morning hours of July 11, 2017 when over 100 crosses errected over the graves inside the Cementry attached to Guardian Angel Church, Sanvordem were uprooted and name plates severed. This was done in in completely planned manner as per media reports by breaking electric ligh and destroying CCTV cameras. As expected no arrests are effected in either the cases.

Bharat Mukti Morcha considers it is pertinent to intevene at this moment and place important online resources available at the disposal of those who are already in combat, those who are willing to get into combat, those who wants to understand what the persecution of christians is all about, those who are facing persecution and also those who are carrying on the persecution by uprooting crosses for one who hangs on those crosses Jesus had first priority to forgive those crucified him.

Today we present these resources begining with the book 'The Spiritual Combat' by Laurence Scupoli. Please download this book. Click here. Anyone reading this book will begin to feel empoered. Its effectiveness could be multiplied by reading and discussing this book in groups.

The second book we present to you is 'Holiness of Life'  by St. Bonaventure. Click here. We have tremendous joy to present this book as today is also the feast of St. Bonaventure who lived in 13th Century along side St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Anthony of Padua.

Current Persecutions in Goa are in the form of hidden criminal acts of demilition of crosses, stautes of Mother Mary etc. Therefore those who are actually involved in the act are not found or named or clue gathered. Yet we know as to who attempted to murder St. Francis Xavier. Click here. His body is at Old Goa inside the Basillica of Bom Jesus. Decade and a half ago when this Basillica was set on fire by miscreant, State Chief Minister Parrikar was found watching fire early morning at 5.00 am. He was confronted by late Fr. Moreno D'souza and relectantly fire brigade was brought in fire put off without any major damage to Basillica of Bom Jesus. Current desceration of crosses and statues too are going on at midnight or at early mornings and it is not difficult to guess as to who has commnaded these acts to be committed when again now Parrikar is the State Chief Minister holding portfolio of Home Minister with control over police.

St. Francis Xavier however relied on heavenly graces to carry on his mission even though it antagonised Brahmins in India. He composed, now famous prayer for this purpose. Click here.

The third book we present to you is 'Trustful surrender to Divine Providence'. This book by  Fr. Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure & St. Claude de la Colombiere. What it says about persuction is this " In the times of persecution Christians were deprived of rank and position, despoiled of their possessions, torn from their families, thrown into prison and sent to execution all for their religious convictions and faith in Christ. Far from complaining, they went their way, like the apostles, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. (58) Whatever the excuse for the persecution you may be made to suffer, and especially if it is because of your religion, accept it all without hesitation as coming from the understanding and paternal hand of your Father who is in heaven." You may download this book. Click here.

Persecution of Christians has not just been from without and from the sources unknown and known. It has also been from within. To know more about this scarecly known persecution down the book 'An Open Letter to Confuseed Catholics' by Archbishop Lefebre. Click here to download. Persecution from within has what has caused large number of land gifted to Church to be sold. In Goa bebeficiaries are Ciba-Geigy in Dulapi, Models Cosntruction in Souto Maoir (Caranzalem) and Ozone Leisure Private Limited in Vanxim. In all the cases agriculture has been sacrified. Moreover manipulation has not restricted to Land sales but also to other facets of faith life. 

Fourth book we present is 'Attention Catholics :Helpful Reminders for Catholics Living in the Modern Confusion' deals aptly with this aspect. You may downlod this book. Click here.

Fifth book we share with you is titled 'The Sword of St. Michael: Saint Pius V
1504-1572' by Lilian Brown- Olf. This book highlights that persecutions are not new to the Catholic Church. Click here to download. 

Arrival of Christianity was itself begining of Persecution. St. Thomas who was amongst the twelve apostles of Jesus was murdered in India near Chennai. Click here to check out.

Yet there has been resurgence in public interest to embrace Christianity as a revolt against Brahmanism in Indian sub-continent. Click here for Nepal update.

In some parts of India there has been severe violence against those who who are converting to Christianity. In 2008 in Orrissa state there was Genocide - mass killings - of Christians at Dsitrict of Khadamal. Here is the link you may download to know to day to day happenings at that time put together by Anto Ekka and team. Click here.  

Currently there are two major international reports on curtailment of religious freedom that includes India. First is 2017 University of Notre Dame Report - 'In response to Persecution'. This report can be downloaded from the links. Click here.

Second report is from United States Commision on International Religious Freedom 2017. This report also report attacks on Christians along with other religions. Report also mentions practice of caste system that has led to atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India. Click here to download. US Embassy in India is to take note of religious and caste violations in India.

We also share links to few major International Organsiations involved in paying attention to Persecutions and People in Goa msut know. Thier website states "Aid to the Church in Need is an international charity of and for the Catholic Church. We give a voice and render relief to Catholics persecuted and oppressed for their Faith." Click here to know more.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is another organsiation that claims to be voice of the voiceless. Click here to reach to them.

Open Doors is another organsiation that serves persecuted Christians Worldwide. Click here to know more on them.

Voice of the Martyrs is another organisation that is involved in getting monthly newsletter on persecution and facilitates various kinds of help to persecuted Christians worldwide. Click here to reach them.

Release Internation is yet another International Organisation that is involved in campaigning for the release of Christians held in Prisons world wide. Click here to know more. Their website also has report on persecutions ongoing in Orrisa state of India where Christians are forced to stop their prayer and police permisions is made mandatory to organsie community prayer. Click here for there links.

In Pakistan Clement Shahbaz Bhatti, who was Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, was well known for campaigning against the nation's strict blasphemy law and lobbying for the rights of religious minorities was assasinated on March 02, 2011. He is Martyr for Christian faith and continues to inspire many all over the World after his martydom. Click here. There is also very resourceful wikipedia page page on Bhatti that indicate that he was with long term commitment for Christian defence. Here is more information on his martydom at wikipedia. Click here. 

Goa was once headquaters of spread of Christian faith to entire Asia. Today lets turn Goa into the centre to defend Christian faith all over Asia. Attacks on various crosses and images, attacks on Savordem's Guardian Angel Church Cemetry and uprooting of crosses inside and other forms of desecration inside the cemetry only impels us to take this direction.

For India Check out webite of All India Catholic Union. Click here. 

Fr. Tom Uzhunalil continues to be captivity in Yemen for past few years. Check links here. 

There is desecreation of Church in hyderabad. Check here for links. 

Nuns are harrassed by police. One case is in Bhopal. Here is the link. 

We have not forgotten rape of Sr. Meena Barwa in Khandamal in August 2008. Here is the link. Here is the statement made to media by Sr. Meena on her rape violence. Click here. 

Get access to full report "Genocide in Khandamal" at this link. Click here.  “Kandhamal Unresolved” is a film looks into the present situation of Kandhamal, especially the struggles of victims, denial of peace and justice, intimidation and hate campaign by Sangh Parivar and relationship between the Hindu Identity and the Dalit/Adivasi Identity. The film is now at Youtube. You may click here. 

There is an interesting blog that documents Persecution of Christians in India. Its called 'Christian Persecution India'. Click here.

Digambar Kamat's interview to Shalini Singh on Goa

 

Abrigded version of Shalini Singh's interview with Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat of February 2010 was published in Hindustan Times. Here we share complete uncensored text of this crucial interview in public interest.

“Once the money arrives, we will decide how best to use it,” was Goa chief minister Digambar Kamat’s nonchalant reply while welcoming the Rs 200 crore special allocation package in the Union Budget for Goa to mend its beaches and preserve its green cover.

 

 

In an extended conversation with Shalini Singh, he held forth on controversial issues plaguing Goa – unplanned tourism, unbalanced mining and haphazard development policy.

Let’s start with the tourism policy. In recent times, Goa’s image has
received a battering in terms of crimes related to sex and drugs. Is this
the result of an unplanned tourism policy? And are we looking at a shift
in this now?

As far as tourism is concerned, we have to keep in mind that in any
country where it has flourished, other things have also entered – whether
it’s drugs or prostitution. Each country also has to take precautions.
Similarly in Goa, we get 25 lakh tourists every year, out of which 4 lakh
are foreigners, rest are domestic. There are 750 chartered flights. Such
problems are bound to take place. These things happen at a minimum level.
There are good tourists who are confident about coming to Goa. Small
incidents like these give the state a bad name. It should not happen, we
should try to avoid them.
The policy is to provide good healthy sustainable tourism, where people
feel safe and secure. Goans are generally peace loving people and some
incidents damage that image. It’s primarily the beaches which tourists
come for. Earlier many people used to die of drowning, but we have the
beach safety management scheme now which resulted in drowning deaths going
down and lives being saved.

Does Goa need to look at an image makeover?
Goa is an important world tourist destination. We don’t need to sell or
market the state to the people who are coming here. There is something in
the name of Goa, something in the soil here. Here, people don’t face
problems, there’s communal harmony, which you won’t find in any other
state.

What role do casinos play in the state’s tourism plan?
The casino problem was inherited by me. Decisions were taken by the
earlier governments, where people were invited to come and invest in them.
Then they were told not to do that. The problem is that there are many
casinos seen on the Mandovi river. I say move them away so people won’t
have an issue, since locals have apprehensions that Goan boys will indulge in gambling.

In the wake of the recent mining issues that have come up, what will be
the outline of your next mining policy?
Mining was being done since the Portuguese days. In those times, the
thrust wasn’t given on proper infrastructure. There must be a balance
between mining and environment, with minimum damage to the latter. There
must be proper infrastructure in place. People are by and large
environment friendly and have expectations from this. I think we should
construct dedicated roads for mining. We are still finalising a mining
policy, which will spell it all out. Next few years, there will be no new
leases. Leases were given during the Portuguese times, out of which some
low grade mining happened. But there is a good rate now. Government has
appointed a monitoring committee which is visiting areas and strict action
is taken by the chief conservator of forests (CCF) who will curb illegal
mining and see no new permissions are given.

Is there a holistic policy land development policy for Goa? Why are so
many village groups protesting against current land development?
Land development under the Regional Plan 2021 is under finalisation. We
have articulated it to all Panchayats, kept the plan open and also received suggestions. At the moment RP 2011 is the valid document where
permissions have been given. Under 2021, eco-sensitive areas like the
forests, mangroves, cultivated land etc will not be given permission. We
follow a bottom to top exercise, where there’s a plan for people to
discuss and make suggestions for.

The church in the state has had various apprehensions related to tourism
and development. How has the government sought to assuage those?
The church has always been to see that Goa retains its identity. Goa
should remain Goa, even if development takes place.

How has the coastal regulation zone in Goa played out over the years? Do
coastal laws need to evolve?
There are no specific laws for coastal areas in Goa as far as we are
concerned. The centre is aware of the difficulties faced by coastal
states, like they didn’t approve but dropped the coastal management zone
plan in 2008.

Goa is the first state to have a cultural policy. You have been the
culture minister. What is your vision of Goa’s cultural policy?
Goa has always been considered a place where people in the fields of art
and culture flourished only after they moved out of the state. Artists,
singers etc born in Goa had no support. Maharashtra used to sing with
Goa’s voice. When I became the art and culture minister, the focal point
for me was the Goan artist, who should have proper exposure, support and
facilities. We started programmes like talent hunt competitions, schemes
for artists in distress, pension to artists above the age of 60, financial
assistance to, say, a poor boy who wanted to learn from a guru outside.
It’s the government’s duty to support artists. That’s why we now see the
younger generation getting attracted to Goa’s art and culture.

(UNDER THE AEGIS OF CSE FELLOWSHIPS)