Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Panaji witnessed a large-scale mobilisation as thousands of people gathered at Azad Maidan following the Opposition’s call to protest against Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act. The demonstration, now on its third day, saw RGP MLA Viresh Borkar continue a two-day hunger strike at the venue, pressing for the complete repeal of Section 39A.
The protest intensified after Borkar, joined by villagers from Siridao-Palem, staged an overnight sit-in at the TCP office to oppose alleged land conversions under Section 39A in the St Andre constituency. Police personnel later removed him from the office, an action that triggered widespread public criticism.
A public meeting at Azad Maidan featured speakers condemning the government for ignoring environmental and local community concerns regarding land conversions. Reports indicate that buses transporting participants, especially from South Goa, were stopped by authorities, apparently to limit the turnout. A significant police presence was observed across Panaji to manage the large crowd.
Tensions escalated further as groups of protesters broke through barricades and marched toward TCP Minister Vishwajeet Rane’s residence at Dona Paula, chanting slogans demanding the repeal of Section 39A. Leaders from the RGP, Congress, and AAP, including Yuri Alemao, Carlos Ferreira, and MLA Venzy Viegas, along with RGP leader Manoj Parab, guided the protest.
Police had deployed heavy security, with barricades at strategic points and personnel stationed along main and internal roads. Despite these precautions, demonstrators reportedly took alternate routes via the beach stretch and internal roads through Taleigao, Caranzalem, and Miramar, with several groups reaching the minister’s residence.
GFP President Vijay Sardesai, however, opted out of the march, describing it as “mobocracy.” “I came here to support Viresh Borkar, but I cannot participate in a morcha to anyone’s house. It is a matter of safety, and I cannot put my supporters at risk,” he said. He added, “Agitations must not be hijacked, and I will not allow this to happen.”
