Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: The 49-day-long agitation at Mirabag was called off on Monday evening after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured protest leaders that the bandhara project would not be pursued and that the file would be formally closed.
The decision followed a crucial meeting at the government rest house in Margao, where Sawant, along with Social Welfare Minister Subhash Faldessai and Goa Assembly Speaker and Sanvordem MLA Ganesh Gaonkar, held discussions with a delegation of protest leaders.
The delegation included former Deputy Chief Minister Deepak Pauskar and other representatives of the agitation.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Sawant reiterated the government’s stand against moving forward with the project.
He said he would officially record his remarks on the file and ensure its closure, reaffirming assurances he had earlier given to the public.
Following the announcement, leaders of the agitation expressed satisfaction and confirmed that the protest would be withdrawn.
Activist Upendra Naik stated that the Chief Minister had committed to completing the formalities within two days.
He added that the group plans to seek confirmation through the Right to Information (RTI) Act after the stipulated period.
Naik also highlighted key demands raised during the agitation, including scrapping the bandhara project, restoring excavated areas, and repairing the damaged Mirabag road through hot mixing.
Regarding the demand to withdraw cases filed against four protesters, he said the Chief Minister had indicated a positive response.
Pauskar welcomed the government’s decision, stating that it reflected sensitivity towards public sentiment.
He also acknowledged the persistent efforts of the local community, especially the women of Mirabag, who played a significant role in sustaining the protest over the past several weeks.
