Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The ongoing agitation against the proposed mega housing project at Sarvan-Karapur took centre stage on Goa Revolution Day after several villagers were detained by police while attempting to stage a protest at Azad Maidan in Panaji.
The protesters, who have been opposing the project for over two months, had gathered in the capital to demand the complete cancellation of the development, alleging that it would adversely impact local ecology, water resources and agricultural land.
Their detention sparked outrage among Opposition parties, which accused the BJP-led government of suppressing democratic voices.
South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes condemned the police action, stating that the government should not act like the “Salazars of the Portuguese regime” by silencing citizens protesting to protect their land and livelihoods.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao described the detention as a “cowardly act” and accused the government of resorting to intimidation on a day that symbolises Goa’s struggle for freedom.
“Detaining the people of Sarvan-Karapur on Revolution Day while they were protesting against mega projects in their village is a cowardly act. On this historic day, the government has resorted to dadagiri by stifling the voice of our people who are trying to save their land,” Alemao said.
GPCC President Girish Chodankar demanded the immediate release of the detained villagers, noting that they had been peacefully agitating against the project for nearly 70 days.
“Suppressing dissent on Goa Kranti Day goes against the very spirit of the sacrifices and struggles that this day commemorates,” Chodankar stated.
AAP Goa President Valmiki Naik also backed the protesters, saying Goans want change and calling for unity among those opposing the BJP government.
The Sarvan-Karapur agitation has emerged as one of the most significant grassroots movements in Goa in recent months, with villagers insisting that the proposed mega housing project be scrapped entirely.
The detention of protesters on Goa Revolution Day has further intensified the controversy surrounding the project and brought the issue into the political spotlight.
