Team Goemkarponn
SANCOALE: Former Sancoale Sarpanch Premanand Naik’s indefinite hunger strike, launched in protest against the issuance of a license to Bhutani Infra, has garnered significant support from politicians across party lines. Several prominent figures visited Naik on Wednesday, urging him to withdraw his strike, but Naik remains steadfast in his demand for the license revocation.
Among those who expressed solidarity was Cortalim MLA Anton Vas, who visited Naik late on Tuesday night. Vas, speaking on the issue, said, “The people of Sancoale should stand firmly behind Naik in this fight. I have done everything within my power, including raising the matter in the Assembly and submitting the villagers’ memorandum to the TCP Minister, Vishwajeet Rane. Now, it is crucial that the Sancoale Panchayat convenes a special meeting to revoke the license. Legal opinion can follow, but the Panchayat must act now.”
Vas further voiced concerns about Naik’s health, urging him to reconsider his decision. “Naik is a senior citizen and could face serious health complications if this strike continues. The Panchayat must revoke the license without delay,” he added.
South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes also met Naik on Wednesday morning, appealing to him to end the hunger strike. “Premanand Naik has always been an inspiration, a guiding light for us. His decision to adopt the Gandhian way of protest is admirable, but his health is at serious risk. Sancoale will lose a gem if anything happens to him, while the project proponents and panch members will remain unaffected. I request Naik to break his fast for the sake of his family and the people who need him,” Fernandes said.
An AAP delegation, comprising MLAs Venzy Viegas and Cruz Silva, met with Naik on Wednesday afternoon, along with the Sancoale Panchayat secretary, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the license issued to Bhutani Infra.
MLA Cruz Silva emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The Government should direct the Panchayat secretary to revoke the license and issue a stop notice to the project. Our goal is to save the life of Premanand Naik and stand with him in this fight against Bhutani Infra.”
MLA Venzy Viegas also spoke to the media, pointing out the inaction of the BJP government. “It has been three days since Naik started his hunger strike, and the Government remains silent, even though the issue could be resolved swiftly. I’m not asking Naik to withdraw his strike, but we need to act fast. We must meet the right authorities, secure proper documentation that the project has been scrapped, and only then can we convince Naik to stop the strike,” Viegas said.
