Around 40 people from village groups arrested in Porvorim

According to the just received information around 40 people from various village groups are arrested are taken into Porvorim police station. They had gone to meet the Chief Minister regarding the regional plan and other issue including stopping of illegal mining and ban on new mining licensed. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat reportedly refused to meet up the villagers. Police team was stationed and police officer - name yet to be confirmed - slapped one female protester - name yet to be confirmed.

Various people from all over Goa are sent messages to come towards Porvorim Police Station by the protesters. More details are awaited.

Please call up Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat urgently and question him. His office phone numbers are 2419841, 2411049. His official residence numbers are 2224170, 2224995. His Marga residence phone number is 2730432. Fax number include 2419846, 2223648. You can also speak to him at his mobile 9822129339.

The final list of the demands to be submitted to Chief minister are not yet known. But it is roughly as listed in the following links:

http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2010-May/193086.html

Sebastian Rodrigues

The Accidental Activist - So Do You Have it In You?

By Venita Coelho

It was a room full of accidental activists. They had come from across
Goa. From the hills to the coastlines , they were all there. And they
were there because they had seen for themselves the havoc that the
governments policy of dragging its feet on the Regional Plan was causing
in their villages. The reports were shocking. Villagers reported virgin
cashew plantations and forests being purchased for as little as Rs 1000
per sq metre, and being razed for settlement and mining activities.
Khazan lands were becoming a residential colony with marina attached.
Ilegal bore wells were devastating the supply of water in Nagao, Verna,
Loutolim, Quellossim and Cortalim. Every single person was there because
they were personally concerned that disaster awaited around the corner
if something was not done.

Being accidental activists, they were all nervous as well - ?What about
the police? Will they arrest us?? ?What if things get out of
control??Then the frustration spoke up ?We will protest! We are law
abiding citizens who have tried every avenue open to us. We?ve done the
RTI, the letters of protest, the umpteen follow up visits to government
offices ? and absolutely nothing has come of it.? The few veterans who
were there to provide advice smiled tiredly. ?Nothing comes of it.
Nothing comes until you go to court. And even then it takes forever.?
Young blood spoke up ?These are our government servants! They report to
us. They are meant to have our best interests at heart. We have every
right to go to their office and ask them what they are doing with our
future.?

The decision was made. The only thing that the government seems to
listen to is large numbers of very angry people. Here were a large
enough number. And they were very angry. The government had made high
sounding promises ? this was the Regional Plan that would protect Eco
Zones, that would take the villagers wishes into consideration, that
would project a development that would save and not destroy. And here we
were, more than a year later, with no signs of the Regional Plan being
finalized. In the meantime, devastation in the name of development was
rampant all over the state. All these accidental activists were willing
to put their anger on the line. Come March 4th they would gather and
protest at the Town and Country Planning Office in Panjim.

March 4th is just a few days away. Now is the time for you too to decide
if you have the makings of an accidental activist in you. Look around
you at your own village? Do you like what you see? Are you happy with
the concrete structures sprouting everywhere? With the garbage strewn
wherever you look? With the water shortages? With the trees being cut?
With the mining trucks that thunder through your village choking you
with dust? All this is the result of either lack of planning, or of the
subversion of all planning to big business interests. You can?t get
permission for the two rooms you want to add to your house, but the big
construction companies get permission for dozens of luxury villas slap
in the middle of eco sensitive zones. You get a notice from the
Panchayat when you cut a single tree, but the czars of the mining
industry level entire forests and get away with it. The Regional Plan
was meant to give you and your village a chance to plan your future the
way you wanted it to be. Not leave the planning to function at the
whims of the government and the money bags who control it. Until the
Regional Plan is finalized, the devastation of Goa by vested interests
will continue. You can see it in the village you live. The only way to
stop it is to use the language that this government understands ? a show
of strength and numbers. To protest so loud and so strong that they are
forced to give us the Regional Plan they promised. Not this endless delay.

On March 4th ordinary citizens who have been made accidental activists,
village action groups, and the GBA, are gathering at the TCP office in
Panjim at 3:30 to stage a peaceful protest. We will be demanding that
the Regional Plan be finalized immediately, and all interim permissions
for projects be frozen, and loopholes like Amendment 16 and 16A be
closed immediately. Join us. Raise your voice. Stake your claim on the
future of your own village.

Herald, 2 March 2010 Panaji

UTAA to oppose moves to grant mining leases in Quepem

Herald Correspondent

Quepem, Jan 16

The United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA) has convened a meeting near Balli panchayat on January 17 4 pm to oppose the proposed mining leases applied for by mining firms in different parts of Quepem constituency.

In a press note, the UTAA has expressed concern that the government has decided to permit around 2,900 hectares of area on lease to mining companies at Balli, Barcem, Khodem, Betul and Fatorpa villages of Quepem constituency.

“The villagers have raised their objection to the proposed leases, however the stand of the government about mining is always suspicious as the government has always acted in favour of mining companies,” the press note stated.

The proposed area is inhabited by tribals and all the areas are covered with thick cashew, coconut platation, paddy fields and other fruit bearing trees. If this area is given for mining leases, the life of the tribals in these areas will be threatened.”

UTAA president Prakash Velip has appealed to villagers of different part of Quepem to attend the meeting in large numbers to show solidarity in opposing the porposed mining leases.

Herald, 17 January 2010, Panaji

Protestors clears Mandovi bridges

Thousands of protestors from Goa's tribal communities have cleared the two bridges they squated for over 3 hours after extracting written assurance from Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat that their 12 point demands would be implemented that includes implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006, and setting up of separate Tribal Affairs Ministry in Goa.

This unprecedented protest action of blocking Mandovi bridges thereby cutting of Capital city of Panjim from the rest of North Goa including Goa Assembly that is located across the bridges in Porvorim.

Sebastian Rodrigues

Protestors paralyze Highway traffic in Panjim's Mandovi bridges

Thousands of tribal protesters has blocked highway on both the Mandovi bridges in Goa's capital city of Panjim. They are have come to Panjim from far and wide in Goa's remotest places and jammed traffic to push Goa government for their 12 point demand that includes implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006. The para-military forces along with Goa Police used pressured water to disperse the protesters. This however has backfired as the resolve of the protesters has hardened and para-military forces and Goa police had to withdraw when the last report came in at 12.40 pm. Tribal organization named United Tribal Associations Alliance (UTAA) had called people out on the streets today.

Sebastian Rodrigues

Programs to mark International Human Rights Day in Goa

There are going to be two public functions to commemorate International Human Rights Day programs on December 10, 2009. In morning at 10.00 am in Margao's Lohia Maidan will be Human Right Day Rally with public participation. Public march will be held in Margao city. The program is organized by Nisarga Nature Club, and supported by Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott (Goa Farmers' Unity) and Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP). This prograam is open for public. In case you need any assistance to reach there you may call up Sidharth Karapurkar at his mobile 09822122705.

In Mapusa city's St. Xavier's college there is going to be day long seminar on the theme "Human Rights and Environment - A focus on Goa" organised by St. Xavier's college Political Science Department. In case you want to participate then contact faculty Cajetan Raposo at his mobile 09822687080 or college landlines 2250705/ 2262356.


Sebastian Rodrigues

GOAMAP Margao public meeting pictures

Lohiya Maidan in Margao was the venue of GOAMAP public awareness meet on mining terrorism in Goa. It was held on February 13, 2009.

People from various mining affected regions participated in the meeting. Amongst hose who spoke includes Ramesh Gauns from Bicholim, Thalman Pereira from Vasco and from CPI(M) Goa Unit, Shamsunder Naik from Advalpal, Bicholim, Anthony D'Silva from Ambelim, Salcete, Precopio Fernandes from Nuem, Khola, Canacona, Ulhas Gaonkar from Morpilla Bachao Samiti, Morpilla, Fr.Mathias D'Cunha from Sulcorna, Babu Naik from Keri, Ponda, Xavier Fernandes from Colamb, Sanguem, Claude Alvares from Goa Foundation, Mapusa, Adv.John Fernandes from Ambaulim, Quepem, Floriano Lobo from Goa Su-Raj Party, Moira, Durgadas Gaonkar, President, Gawada, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED), and Sebastian Rodrigues, Convenor of Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP).

Rama Velip from Colamb, Sanguem welcomed the gathering while Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) spokesperson on mining issues Pravin Sabnis compared the meeting. Reboni Saha from GBA shared the dias with others present.

Around 400 people from various parts of Goa participated in the meet.

Everyone spoke about how mining industry has taken State of Goa to Ransom and pledged to intensify the struggle further. Police violence on mines affected villages was strongly condemned.

For accounts of the this public meeting click here and you may contribute towards expenses incurred by the organisers.

Sebastian Rodrigues

GAKUVED rally against mining in Margao

Rivona unit of Gawda, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) is organising public protest meeting against ill effects of mining industry on Goa on Friday, February 13, 2009 in Margao. The public meeting will take place at historic Lohiya Maidan at 3.30 pm.

People who are feeling concerned about all round destruction of Goa - forest cover of Western Ghats, agriculture, drying up of water sources, health, Dangers posed to Goa's rivers - Mandovi, Zuari, Kushavati and all their tributaries, Police harassment to people opposed to mining, Defamation suit filed by mining companies, mining threat to major dams of Goa - Assanora, Selaulim and Opa water works etc. are invited to attend the public meeting.

Rama Ladu Velip,
President,
GAKUVED - Rivona Unit.

Moira Public Protest Protest against Fomentos Rs.500/- crore defamation suit

According to the message received from Floriano Lobo from Moira there will be public protest meeting against Fomento mining company filing defamation suit of Rs.500/- crore against Sebastian Rodrigues for his online writings exposing mining industry at http://www.mandgoa.blogspot.com/.

Meet that is going to be held on Monday, February 02, 2009 at Moira Club, Moira, Bardez, Goa at 4.00 pm will also protest against open cast mining in Goa.

Members of public are invited to participate in the meeting and express their support to the movement against mining in Goa. Floriano has requested those willing to participate in the meet to come along with black Flags.

Mining Mafia invades Colamb

Protesters today in Colamb targeted its Salvo at Goa Government for its utter irresponsible behaviour in protecting agriculture and water sources - that are source of life, in order to benefit few filthy rich like Fomentos.

The Encircled and boxed truck driver was responsible for stripping his pants, Kicking Socorina Dias and Motesh Antao. Mining Companies are now deploying mafia achieve its goals of breaking unity of Colamb villagers. Goa Government simply looks other way giving free hands to goons.

Milagrina Antao with other women are questioning pathetic law and order situation in their village. "How much more do we have to struggle to make Goa government listen?"

It is the State government as well as the Central Government that is responsible for mining terrorism in Colamb just the way rest of Goa is victimised. Goa Government has been held hostage by terrorists - the mining companies - Indian as well as multinationals like Sesa Goa.

Motesh Antao is one of the fearless fighters of Colamb. Today he was targeted by Sanvordem Goons.

Socorina Dias after being kicked on her stomach/chest during the mining trucks road blockade today.

The slogans of Colamb are increasing day by day. The slogans are destined to smash Goa Government's deafness.

Women guard as the truck que up at the 'people power' of the Colamb adivasis. Will Goa government free itself from the shackles of the mining companies?

Constancio Rodrigues

Vinaya D'Souza

Smitha Olivera

Mercilina Sen

Sebastian Rodrigues

Rama Velip

GAKUVED march (padyatra) against land grabbing

The Gawada, Kunbi, Velip & Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) has organised a March (Padyatra) on Sunday, 6th April 2008 From Kadamba bus stand to Old Goa via New by pass, Kadamba Plateau at 9.00 a.m

The march (padyatra) is organised to bring attention of Government and general Public regarding land grabbing and selling it to capital loaded outsiders.

The march is organised by GAKUVED under the leadership of its General Secretary Shri Pandurang R. Kunkalkar which will start at 9.00 am from Kadamba bus stand via New by pass, Kadamba Plateau up to Old Goa and will be concluded at Gandhi Circle.

It is appealed to the general public to participate in the march (padayatra) and show Solidarity.

GAKUVED observes International Human Rights Day in Goa.

Gawada, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) observed International Human Rights Day on December 10 2007 with a protest march and public meeting in South Goa's Quepem Town. Protest rally also marched to the Quepem police station and submitted the memorandum of demands. Memorandums was also submitted to Quepem deputy collector as well as deputy superintendent of Police, Queem. Later on Public meeting was organised at Quepem Town.

Sebasatian Rodrigues, Coordinator, Mand, explained the importance of International Human Rights Day and need to defend Human rights of adivasi community in Goa particularly in relation to Forest, Real Estate and open cast mining activities.

Dr. Audoot Prabhudesai told as to how the village of Colamb is going to be affected by the mining activites and how water resources will get depleted, dust pollution, accidents on roads, how the school children are going to be affected in near by school.

Arun Madgaonkar spoke about the effects of the mining in Goa and how people are going to suffer. He said that effects of mining remains for three hundred years till it retains its original fertility. He requested people to remain united to fight for ill effects that are going to be caused because of mining.

Pravin Sabnis of Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) spoke about people from Keri and Verna villages that have stopped the SEZ work peacefully. He requested the people present to gather on 14th December at Lohia Maidan, Margao for a rally and meeting against SEZ. Ramesh Gauns gave details about the mining activities that are taking place in Goa and its effects. He said that he is not against the mining but the violations of human rights by the mining companies with the help of local government.

Kushali Gaonkar highlighted how the judiciary is delaying the matters of the citizens for years and frustrating the people; sometimes, withdraw the cases, at bureaucracy level and also government is not taking any measures to expediate matters.

Jitendra Savoikar Explained how he is fighting against the mining company since last one year at Vathadev, Bicholim. He appealed to the people to be united and fight.

Devidas Gaonkar highlighted about the people in Khotigao village as to how they are harassed by the forest officials when adivasis go to forest to collect the fire wood. Forest officials snatches away the Koita - the traditional weapon of people without which they cannot live. He also highlighted about the trenches dug by the forest department blocking roads for the people as well as for cattle.

Rama Velip from Colamb briefed about the agitation in Colamb village and how the common man is affected and going to be affected, water level being depleted, field becoming infertile, and dust pollution of the people staying around.

Durgadas Gaonkar, GAKUVED President, addressing the gathering said that GAKUVED is working for the defence of adivasis and the motive behind observing this day is to protest violation of human rights at every level by the State as well and by mining lobby. He pointed out that in case of Khodidas Hiralal mining, despite of proving from the government records only that the ongoing mining is illegal, Goa government is not taking any action to stop the mining. There are 22 mining activated in Colamb but according to government only one mine is in working condition but the same is illegally functioning as per the list submitted by department of mines and geology. With regard to the land issue, People of Cacra, Nauxi, Bambolim, Odxel and other villages of Tiswadi taluka are facing threats of eviction from the real estate sharks such as Aldeia de Goa, Prestige group of companies, Salgaoncar mining company, Fomentos mining comapny, and several other who have ploughed their capital into the real estate busiiness and desperate for every inch of land. These villages were originally practicing agriculture but after takeover of their land for construction of Goa University they were forced to shift their occupation from agriculture to fishing. And now again they are facing threat of evictictions. He urged the villagers to keep their unity to fight against mining lobby and GAKUVED will always be with them.

Other members who spoke on the occasion were Palmira Dias, Jose Vaz, Adv. John Fernanades, Gajanand Raikar. Vote of thanks was proposes by Mathias Fernades. Pobre Fernandes compared the human rights day rally.

(Report prepared with inputs from Babal Gawade, Ulhas Gaonkar and Anand Velip. Picture by Adv. John Fernandes)