GAKUVED strongly condemns police lathi charge and arrests of the peaceful villagers of Ambaulim, Quepem on December 17, 2008. The villagers after submitting repeated memorandums to various authorities found that their demands to control mining ore transportation on deaf ears.
Villagers first submitted letters to the South Goa Collector, Deputy Collector of Quepem, Executive Magistrate of Quepem, Director of Mines, Director of transport, Assistant Director of Transport (South) in this regard on 07th November 2008 complaining about the transportation of mineral ore.
On 24th November 2008 the villagers filed reminder letter to South Goa Collector since there was no response from his office.
On 02nd December letter was filed for non-compliance of assurance given to the villagers on 27th November 2008. The copy of the same was forwarded to the Governor of Goa, Quepem MLA, Chief Secretary and Collector of South Goa for information.
In spite of written requests authorities refused to act and save the villagers from hardships caused by mining transportation. The police authorities assaulted the villagers gathered to press for their demands at Deao, Ambaulim, Quepem on the morning of December 17, 2008. In the police method of assault lathi charge was effected under the supervision of Quepem Deputy Collector Vanancio Furtado. Pitched battles were waged against the protestors that included women and school students. Women as well as children were targeted in police violence.
More over police cases to harass the protesting villagers were filed against 11 people that includes Diago Fernandes, Franky Rebello, William Luis, Fatima Fernandes, Santolin Luis, Anton Fernandes, Glad Rebello, John Fernandes, Paulina Fernandes, Succour Fernandes and William Fernandes; all residents of Ambaulim village gifted with mining dust.
Villagers were protesting for their fundamental rights in a lawful and peaceful manner when State of Goa unleashed its Police terror. Even though liberation of Goa took place 47 years ago members of GAKUVED community are still struggling for their liberation. And the struggle will continue without paying heed to police violence. Rulers of Goa have changed from white skinned to brown skinned but GAKUVED community members continue to be oppressed by the new masters. Ambaulim in Quepem is one more addition after Colamb in Sanguem.
Sd/-
Durgadas Gaonkar
(President)
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