MY REPLY TO ARWIN MESQUITA'S COMMENT by Bebdo

Before I venture into giving my reply to Arwin Mesquita on a comment that he sent here on Niz Goenkar, I would like to paste that comment here so that it would enable the readers to get the correct picture as to what I am replying to him. It would also help the readers analyse some of the Goan structure of a few self proclaimed Goans without the knowledge of the mother tongue of Goa KONKANI.

ARWIN MESQUITA’S COMMENT: Ref: ST MARY'S GOAN SODALITY-DUBAI: THE SPINELESS APOLOGY & ARROGANCE by N. Fernandes, London
Dear All,
I prefer spending time with those working to save Goa on the Ground, But this has gone too far & at this stage right/wrong, it is not helping the cause of Goa/Goan unity. My views:

1. Caji and the Goan Sodality team has given me the support to hold meetings on Goan Identity. Some thing rare amongst Goan Associations? Also I know that many in the group who are working selflessly and this will demotivate them and any others who want to do something for the Goan community.
2. Jude has suggested so many ideas and also has offered tom work with me on the bigger picture for Goa & Goans and our Identity. His ideas/vision is very different from the average Goan thinking if just parties, dances & social events; Something rare in the Goan Mindset.
3. For argument sake, say the critics have some grounds, do we really need to make a mountain out of a mole hill? There is so much disgustful much higher looting by many MLAs in Goa; let us focus our energies constructively there if we really have the courage to clean Goa?
4. Activists in Goa are pleading for help/money or any kind of assistance. We have limited time to save Goa and lets spend our time wisely.
5. I think we have to put this to rest Logically. Please see my suggestions below:

• Those concerned can call Caji/Jude and have a meeting with people/representatives both opposing parties.
• I offer to be present at this meeting
• Those concerned must have simple bulleted summary document of Allegations.
• Caji/Jude/Goan Sodality can answer to each of the allegations and the entire document will be put up on the Goan websites
• I must reiterate that this has to be a civilised meeting with no abuses, name calling foul language etc. Also this will not be a debate, it will be more on proper clear clarifications of the allegations so that Caji/Jude/Goan Sodality can respond as best as they can.

Once the final document (Allegations & Answers) is posted on Goan Websites/Forum, then we have to leave it to the people to decide. After the latter the issue must be laid to rest and let’s do something more productive for our beautiful land Goa & our people. - Arwin Mesquita (UAE)

MY REPLY TO ARWIN MESQUITA

Dear Arwin

We appreciate the efforts that you are making to fight for Goa and Goans. We too are doing the same and you are most welcome to join us.

1) Now you have said that you prefer to spend time with those working to save Goa on the Ground.

• To this let me answer: How do you know that we are not working on the ground? Do you think without our members working on the ground we would have been able to help the needy Goans (which sometimes involved lot of logistics) and expose the corrupt politicians and land sharks with documentary evidence?

2) You then say “but this has gone too far & at this stage right/wrong, it is not helping the cause of Goa/Goan unity.”

• Can you please explain what has gone too far and is not helping Goa/Goan unity? As far as we know, our policies and stance have made more Goans aware of what is happening to Goa and more Goans, all over the world, are joining in our efforts to fight the corrupt and illiterate goonda politicians, land sharks and non-Goan policies of the Goa government.

3) Further, you say that Cajie and the Goan Sodality team has given me the support to hold meetings on Goan Identity.

• My answer to this is: You had only one meeting NOT MEETINGS in St. Mary’s Church. Cajie and Goan Sodality didn’t support you much. In fact Cajie asked you in English why you were addressing the meeting in English when you are supposed to talk on Goan Identity. You answered him that you did not know Konkani as you were born and brought up in Kuwait and that you were making an attempt to learn Konkani. When someone from the audience questioned Cajie as to why Cajie was speaking in English, Cajie then switched over to Konkani. Nothing constructive came out from this meeting. In fact, you were bad-mouthed and were written off as saying ‘what this guy knows about Goa and Goans when he can’t even speak Konkani’.

4) You are saying that many in the group (which I assume is SMGC) will be demotivated and any others who want to do something for the Goan community.

• To this I reply: How many members are there in the SMGC? Are you saying this because most people in Dubai doesn’t want to associate with SMGC and are now associating with Niz Goenkars? Is the SMGC feeling threatened about the rising popularity of Niz Goenkars in Dubai?

5) You said: Jude has suggested so many ideas …. Blah blah blah. And then add to say that his ideas/vision is very different from the average Goan thinking…. Something rare in the Goan mindset.

• My reply is: Are you underestimating the intellect of a majority of Goans, including us?

6) This comment of yours is very interesting: “Do we really need to make a mountain out of a mole hill? There is so much disgustful much higher looting by many MLAs in Goa….

• My reply is: What are you trying to imply here, and especially when you mean ‘MUCH HIGHER LOOTING’. With this statement of yours, can I infer that there is looting of some scale which is going on? And if so it has to be HIGH. If you know the English language then you will know what I mean. HIGH, HIGHER, HIGHEST.  So do you want to sweep under the carpet this ‘HIGH’ looting and are urging us to concentrate on the ‘HIGHER’ looting?

7) You say: Activists in Goa are pleading for help/money or any kind of assistance.

• My reply is: How do you know that we are not of any assistance to these activists? If you check our posts on Naroa (Mehta scam) you will see our activists confronting the Naroa sarpanch. We are here and there, plus we are assisting many. Many other activities that we are doing are not open for public discussion due to the sensitive nature of such activities.

8) You say: I think we have to put this to rest logically

• My reply is: I don’t know what you are talking about. We don’t have issues with any individual.

Your suggestions:

(A) You say Those concerned can call Cajie/Jude….. and have a meeting

• My reply to this also is we have no issues with individuals. But if such individuals try to tarnish our image, threaten us and use political clout to try to silence the voice of Niz Goenkar, we won’t keep quiet. We will expose such people for working against the welfare of Goa and Goans.

(B) You say: “I offer to be present at this meeting”

• My reply is: Are you offering your services out of your own free will or were you pushed into it by someone who is frightened of being exposed by Niz Goenkars?

(C) …. You are talking about allegations

• My reply is: We have not alleged anyone of anything. We have documentary evidence and we have published it on the site. From our side it is all in black and white. If the party that you are representing have something against us let them forward that to you and we will answer it.

(D)… again you are talking about allegations…. Blah blah blah… and clarification about Cajie/Jude?

• My reply is: Will this meeting be conducted in English or Konkani?  If it is in English, then Cajie will object to it, the same way that he had objected to you speaking in English when you had addressed the meeting on Goan Identity in St. Mary’s Church.

On a final note. Let me assure you that we have nothing against any individual be it Cajie/Jude or any one. We support you as one of us. But please refrain from insulting the intellect and the goodwill of Goans. Goans have endured enough of hypocrisy of the illiterate politicians who have sold Goa to the ghanttis. Goans have are on the verge of becoming a minority in Goa. Goa’s culture, especially the Luso-Indian culture (I hope you understand what I mean by this) is being diluted by the culture of the ghanttis. Even our church properties have been sold to non-Goan builders by some of our priests. The time has now come for Goans to say enough is enough. And through Niz Goenkar we will bring a change in the socio-political structure of Goa.

Viva Goa, Long Live Goan Unity, Goa for Goans

Mog asundi

Regards - Bebdo

YOUNGSTERS IN BENAULIM CATCHES 3 WHEELER WHILST DUMPING GARBAGE

MARGAO: Once again, youngsters from Benaulim caught red-handed a three-wheeler goods carrier for dumping waste in the village jurisdiction in violation of garbage dumping norms. What has angered the youth and the Village Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes is the attitude of the Colva police to the burning problem.

“Enough is enough. The villagers will now be forced to take the law in their hands as the authorities are not concerned to stop the menace in the village”, thundered Benaulim Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes.

She said the people have been complaining about the dumping of waste near the St John the Baptist Church and Pedda since the last two months, but there’s no help forthcoming from the concerned authorities. “I had recently taken up the issue with the District Magistrate, South G P Naik, who has assured to help the Panchayat body”, he said.

Village youth are also exasperated over the very attitude of the Colva police over the sensitive issue, saying that the youth come at the receiving end of the police when complained of garbage dumping. “The police slogan urges people to help the Goa police to serve the public better. In our case, we go all out to help the police, but have to face the brunt of the men-in-uniform”, said a local youth Roque Fernandes. He said the Benaulim youth have so far detected around 16 cases of waste dumping in the village, but the authorities are yet to take serious note of the problem of waste dumping. (HD)

STERN WARNING TO REPAIR ROADS: AGONDA GRAM SABHA

CANACONA: Ministers came in for fire at Agonda Gram Sabha over the dilapidated roads in the village. The gram sabha members on Sunday gave a stern warning that if the dilapidated internal village roads are not repaired and hot-mixed before the next gram sabha, then they would resort to stir. Incidentally, the next gram sabha will be held somewhere in the first or second week of January, 2011.

Alleging mass illegalities at village coast, members raised a point saying some shacks have also commenced their tourism activities without licences and demanded total survey of the coastal areas by the village body.  Sarpanch Milagrinha Fernandes agreed to conduct a survey of the village coast and stated that the local body has not yet issued a single seasonal license.

Residents from one side of the coastal area complained about the erratic water supply practices and at times are forced to go without water for as many as 15 days, even during monsoon when availability of water is ample in concerned reservoirs.

The issue of tourists’ taxis from neighbouring Khola village causing business conflicts in the village was also raised. The sarpanch however remained non-committal on the issue saying: “Our efforts to acquire suitable land for a taxi stand is still not realized as land acquisition is in progress.” Govind Zaranvkar was present as BDO observer, while Secretary Mahale, Deputy Sarpanch Gulshan Guru Bandekar, Panchas Tipu Pagi and Jovi Fernandes were also present amongst others. (HD)

KHOLA LOCALS GET BENEFITS OF GRAMEEN SCHEME

PANJIM: RDA Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao extended benefits of various schemes to people of Khola on Sunday in the presence of MLA and chairman of IDC, Mr Chandrakant Kavlekar at Khola in Canacona.

 Mr Alemao distributed gas connections and cheques under Grameen Urja scheme to the beneficiaries and also commenced the work of hot-mixing of internal roads at a cost of ` 4.75 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, RDA Minister said that he has been successful in bringing effectiveness in the functioning of RDA and further mentioned that various development works have been taken up under RDA. So far 30,000 gas connections have been distributed to the beneficiaries, he added.

The Minister reviewed various rural development programmes and urged locals to avail the benefits of these schemes. Under the NREG programme government provides employment to unskilled persons, he said. The Minister listed various schemes meant for BPL families and said that people from Khola should come forward and take benefits of BPL schemes.

MLA, Mr Chandrakant Kavlekar said that he will endeavour for the all-round development of Khola village and sought cooperation from the people to achieve further developmental projects.  ZP member, Mr Krishna Velip also spoke. Sarpanch, Ms Archana Velip welcome while Mr Harischandra Kholakar proposed the vote of thanks. (NT)

KAMAT WANTS WOMEN TO AVAIL MAXIMUM BENEFITS FROM GOVT. SCHEMES

PANJIM: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Sunday called upon women to avail maximum benefits of schemes launched by the government, so as to accomplish the vision of former prime minister, Indira Gandhi, to improve the living conditions of each and every woman and ensure their empowerment.

Speaking as a chief guest after paying tributes to late prime minister, Indira Gandhi on the occasion of her 26th death anniversary observed as a ‘day against violence and terrorism’ at a function organised by Directorate of Women and Child Development at Ponda on Sunday.

Mr Kamat said Indira Gandhi’s concern for the welfare of distressed section of the society was evident from the fact that she launched 20-point programme to eradicate poverty in the country.

Stating that women have carved a niche for themselves in almost all the sectors the Chief Minister said, in order to market the products prepared by self help groups they will be extended facility in the proposed mall at Margao and also at the new market complex which is under construction at Ponda.

Mr Kamat also stressed the need to follow the path shown by Indira Gandhi. Emulating her thoughts and principles by all will be a fitting tribute to the departed leader, he said.

Minister for Women and Child Development, Mr Ravi Naik, who presided over the function, lauded the role played by Indira Gandhi to eradicate poverty and give justice to the people from all strata of the society.

Indira Gandhi, he said rendered selfless service and worked tirelessly for the welfare of the poorest section of the society.

Mr Shambhu Bandeker, former deputy speaker who spoke on the life and work of Indira Gandhi lauded her contribution towards promotion of education, health, agriculture and self employment. The role played by Indira Gandhi for empowerment of youth and women, in eliminating communalism, strengthening national integration and providing food, cloth and shelter to all sections of the society is also highly commendable, he added.

Ms Amol Morajkar, former chairperson of ZP, North and Ms Viegas, CDPO also spoke on the occasion.  Earlier, Mr Sanjiv Gadkar, director of Women and Child Development welcomed and Ms Vina Naik, mukhya sevika proposed the vote of thanks (NT)

EDUCATION MINISTER SAYS WILL RESIGN IF FOUND GUILTY OF BUYING AGRI-LAND

PANJIM: Goa Education Minister Atanasio Monserratte on Sunday offered to resign as MLA if he was found guilty of buying agricultural land for non-agriculture purpose in Taleigao constituency. "Let one fellow prove that I bought one square metre of land and converted it," Monserratte, representing Taleigao, told a gathering today.

The minister made the comments during a gram-sabha meeting when few villagers asked him to stop the uncontrolled conversion of paddy fields for the construction of civil projects.  "If some farmer is selling his field, then I can't stop him. It is his right to do so," he said adding that the elected representative could not be blamed for that.

The minister said he himself did not want the traditional fields to be lost to development.  "I can show you an instance in which I have reconverted the field back to green zone from commercial zone to save it from being used for constructing buildings," he said.  Monserratte in the past had to resign as minister after he was accused of drafting a regional plan, which had threatened to rob greenery of the state. He was re-inducted into the Cabinet after a gap of two years.

The villagers from Taleigao, a locality dotting Panaji city, during the gram sabha meeting this morning expressed their apprehension over the development, which was taking toll on the paddy fields of the area.

"Taleigao was called as a rice bowl of Goa due to cultivation that was happening here. We have seen that many fields are filled to make way for residential complexes," Anand Madgaoncar, a local resident, told the gram sabha. - PTI

PANJIM POLICE RESCUE TRAFFICKED VICTIMS

PANJIM: Three trafficked victims were rescued and two traffickers were arrested by the Panaji police on Saturday night. The traffickers were intercepted when they brought the girls to a customer opposite a popular hotel in the capital.

A police team led by PI Sandesh Chodankar laid a trap and through a decoy customer contacted an individual called Javed who is known to supply girls to prospective customers in the state.

Javed told the decoy customer that he can presently offer three girls from Mumbai. He also told the decoy customer over the phone that as he is out of station, the girls - aged between 20 and 25 - will be brought by his men Amjad Khan and Manoj Kumar in a car to the heart of the capital.

However, when they approached the area, a police team intercepted them and arrested the two traffickers. Police sources said that while Amjad is originally from Bhopal and Manoj from Delhi, both currently reside at Benaulim. They have been booked under Immoral Traffic Prevention Act. Police are now trying to trace Javed.  Meanwhile, the rescued girls, who claim to be from Mumbai, have been sent to the state protective home. (TNN)

ATALA ROAMING FREELY IN HIS HOME COUNTRY

PANJIM: Goa’s most wanted drug lord Yaniv Benaim alias Atala is not a wanted person back in his country and is currently roaming freely without even Interpol looking out for him, sources said. An Israeli journalist, who is in Goa for a holiday said, on condition of anonymity, that it is a wrong notion spread by Goa Police that Atala is wanted in 16 cases.

“In fact, he might be booked in past for some minor two or three cases, which did not attract his arrest,” he stated.  Atala had reportedly missed compulsory military service in Israel after he went out from the country. “He was living life of a king in Goa. For him, life in Goa was cheap. He could enjoy everything at throw away price,” the journalist stated adding that since now he is back in Israel; he is finding it as an expensive place. “He wants to leave Israel and go somewhere else,” he added.

Shockingly, he stated that Interpol representative in Israel does not even know that he is wanted by Indian police. “If they knew, they would have got him in and informed Indian government,” he said.

Atala, which became household name in Goa after media exposed his links with policemen, was wanted by media in Israel for short time when he landed back in his town. “There were dozen of camerapersons who were camping outside his house to catch his glimpse on the camera. But he remained in the house till the air got cleared,” he said.

The alleged drug peddler was arrested from a shack at Pernem on March 11 for his links with Goa police. This resulted in the suspension and arrest of seven police officials, who are currently on bail. Narcotics and Drugs Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Court at Mapuca had released Atala on conditional bail in June.

Atala suddenly disappeared since July-mid which was informed to the police when he failed to respond summons issued by Crime Branch and Mapuca Court.

While, a non-bailable warrant is already pending against him, Goa police had informed media that they have issued red-corner notice to trace his whereabouts and arrest him from anywhere in the world. Atala was seen in Israel lately, which was not even known to Goa police until a national news channel released the video-footage.

While, police spokesperson Superintendent of (Special Branch) Police Atmaram Deshpande failed to respond to phone calls by media, Crime Branch DySP C S Salgaoncar who has been accused by the opposition leader Manohar Parrikar of sabotaging the investigation in the police drug nexus however declined to speak when inquired on the matter.

"Investigating Officer will not speak anything on the case..." was all tthat Salgaoncar said. It may be recalled that Crime Branch is probing into the alleged drug mafia and police nexus since its expose in February 2010 with Salgaoncar being the chief in the probe.

The opposition leader also accused the police of deliberate delays in the investigation at the instance of the home minister, whose son has been named in the drug nexus. The Home Minister has also refused to hand over the case to an independent investigating agency and is strongly supported by Chief Minister Digamber Kamat. - (HD)

SPECIAL OFFICERS TO CHECK ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES

PANJIM: Smokers beware! You might be booked for smoking in a public place. The designated officers to enforce legislation prohibiting use of tobacco and related products will be in place shortly. Atmaram Deshpande, SP Security, Special Cell while speaking at a media workshop on Saturday here said the designated officers will be appointed for enforcing the legislation and the notification in this respect will be issued soon.

In November, each police station will have a designated officer not less than a rank of police sub-inspector, he said.  The Control of Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) prohibits smoking in hotels, restaurants, workplaces, shopping malls, cinema halls, educational institutions and libraries, hospitals, auditorium, open auditorium, amusement centers, stadium, railway station and bus stop.

Earlier, while responding to a question Deshpande pointed out that complete ban on tobacco in Goa will not work unless there is comprehensive legislation coming from the Centre.

Where’s the ban on Gutka? Jyothi Sardessai, Deputy Director of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) while participating in the discussion said porous borders have made it difficult to implement the ban on gutka even as they conduct regular raids.

While Gutka is banned in Goa it is not in Karnataka and Maharashtra and easily smuggled here.  However, Sardessai said since implementation of the Act, FDA has conducted 90 raids, booked 73 cases and collected over Rs 29 lakhs as fine. Pamela Mascarenhas, deputy director, Department of Tourism and Dr Ravindra Nadkarni, State Nodal Officer, Directorate of Health also participated in panel discussion on role of the government and challenges in the implementation of tobacco control laws.

The media sensitization workshop on tobacco control initiatives was organized by Voluntary Health Association of Goa (VHAG) in association with National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) and Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN). (HD)

MIGRANT AREA AROUND CINE LATA TENSE

MARGAO: Margao police rushed to migrant inhabited Cine Lata in the commercial capital on late Saturday night to avert any incident between Panchayat Minister Babu Azgaonkar and his group and the group led by Teo Bonamis, a close aide of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

The incident literally brought Teo Bonamis and Rajendra Azgaonkar, the brother of the Panchayat Minister face to face near Cine Lata late this evening. Even as a verbal duel ensued between Rajendra and Bonamis, the Panchayat Minister came in support of his brother, resulting in a tense situation at the migrant inhabited area.

However, Margao PI Santosh Desai deputed PSI Kapil Nayak to Cine Lata, who defused the situation by convincing both the groups to disperse from the area.

PI Desai said that though both the groups were engaged in a verbal duel, there was no physical violence between the groups. The police had deployed additional reinforcements in the area as a precautionary measure.

Rajendra Azgaonkar, who is a sitting councillor representing ward 13, has fielded Nazia Sheih, while Teo Bonamis and the Chief Minister’s group is supporting the candidature of Rosy Pereira. Leena Katkar is the BJP-sponsored candidate contesting from ward 13 and is backed by the Margao Loksamiti.

Incidentally, the Azgaonkars are sore that ward 13 has been reserved for women to deny Rajendra from re-contesting from the ward. In fact, Rajendra had threatened to contest against the Chief Minister if his ward was reserved for women as the ward was reserved for the fairer sex just five years ago. (HD)

GOA NCP UNIT PRESIDENT READY TO QUIT FOR PACHECO

PANJIM:  Nationalist Congress Party's Goa Unit Chief Jose Philip D'Souza on Saturday said he is ready to step down from the post to pave way for his party colleague, Fransisco Mickey Pacheco.  "After municipal elections (scheduled on October 31), I will meet party high command in Delhi and request them to appoint Pacheco as NCP Goa President," D'Souza, who is also state revenue minister, told a news agency.

Both, D'Souza and Pacheco had engaged in a public fight this week in the port town of Vasco forcing the party to call an emergency meeting.  Pacheco is a NCP legislator, had to resign as Goa Tourism Minister after his name was embroiled in the controversy related to death of his friend, Nadia Torrado.

D'Souza had claimed that his supporters attacked Pacheco because he was distributing money to vote against his panel while Pacheco had refuted the allegations.  "Micky (Pacheco) has made a statement in the media that he can get 10 seats for NCP during forthcoming state legislative assembly elections. If that's the case than it is good for the party," D'Souza said.

"I want the party to grow. I am telling you this at serious note that I will be urging high command to appoint Pacheco at the helm of party affairs," he added.  NCP is a part of Congress-led government in the state with two out of its three legislators inducted in the cabinet.-PTI

MICKKY-JOSE BRAWL by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The recent Micky – Jose Phillip brawl at Vasco should come as no surprise. It was just a matter of time as the clock had been ticking for far too long. This anyway is just a precursor of the tenor any election will henceforth take. A degree in Political Science will not take you too far. The less you are educated the better are your political fortunes. Money, muscle and dinner diplomacy as a medium of elections is here to stay.

We have seen MLAs and MPs being kidnapped and high jacked. We will soon see the same for voters. Thugs, bullets and swords will decide who wins elections. With votes being auctioned to the highest bidder the night before the polls, the theory of the secret ballot has long lost its sanctity. We have known of the 'road rage' syndrome. We will soon need hospitals to deal with the 'political rage' that is creeping in.

RTO INSPECTOR ARRESTED FOR ASSAULTING TRAFFIC POLICE

MAPUSA: Assistant motor vehicle inspector Bhalchandra Vaingankar from Sodiem, Siolim, was arrested by the Mapusa police on Friday morning for misbehaving with a traffic police constable near Chacha Nehru park in Mapusa.
According to Mapusa police at around 9am, one Vithal Awadkar ran into the police station complaining that a person had parked his car wrongfully and had restrained occupants of another car near the Chacha Nehru park, which is not far from the police station. Awadkar said he was a head constable attached to a Karnataka minister as personal security officer.
Based on this information, traffic constable Shrivallabh Pednekar rushed to the spot and politely informed car owner Vaingankar to remove his car. Police said Vaingankar, who is attached to the Margao RTO, instead of removing his car, behaved arrogantly with the traffic policemen saying he was an RTO inspector and prevented Pednekar from discharging his duties by pushing him. Traffic police constable Dnyaneshwar Sawant in the presence of his colleague Laxmikant Naik, tried to convince Vaingankar to remove his car but was given the same treatment.
As the police station received information of some commotion taking place there, a team led by PSI Vijay Rane rushed to the spot and took control of the situation. Acting swiftly he took the assistant motor vehicle inspector along with the car to the police station where Vaingankar was arrested after a complaint was filed against him under Section 353 (using force to deter public servant from discharging duty) and 341 (punishment) of the IPC. The accused was released on bail by the junior magistrate first class in the evening. (TNN)

THIEF CAUGHT WITH STOLEN BIKE BY VALPOI POLICE

VALPOI: Yet in another incident at Valpoi, one Sandeep Rathod, A 20-year-old youth from Bijapur-Karnataka was caught by Valpoi Police while he was driving a stolen motorcycle at Buimpal Satari in the early morning of Friday.

ASI Yeshwant R. Naik was on a patrolling round when they caught Rathod at Buimpal.  ASI Yeshwant was on his rounds along with only the Police driver Anil when they saw  Rathod at about 4 AM on the Motorycycle.  Getting suspicious of the rider, ASI Yeshwant stopped him at Buimpal. Rathod was riding the stolen bike bearing number GA04 – B2534.  ASI Yeshwant then himself took the Motorcycle to the Valpoi Police Station along with the accused.  They were followed closely by the police jeep driven by Anil.
Getting suspicious of the rider, the police asked him for the documents of the vehicle, but the accused started faltering. Upon thorough questioning he confessed that he stole the bike from Nagargao Satari about 5 Kms from Valpoi Town.

TEMPLE BURGLED AT BRAHMA CARAMBOLIM SATARI (VALPOI)

VALPOI: Thieves struck at Brahma Carambolim, in Satari Taluka on Thursday night and stole cash from the Brahmadev Seva Samiti before making their get away. Sandeep P. Kelkar, the president of the BSS of Brahma Carambolim Satari lodged complaint at the Valpoi police station against some unknown culprits who broke open the main door of the temple and decamped with the cash from the donations box.

Mr. Sandeep in his complaint said that the theft might have occurred on Thursday night and was noticed only the following day at about 10:00 hrs by the sweeper who found the main door of the temple open.

The Valpoi police conducted the panchanama a collected evidence whatever they could get from the scene of offence. They also attached a broken lock and an empty cash box which was found lying a few metres from the actual place of is placing.

The committee of BSS has requested the Valpoi PI Shivram Vaigankar to intensify patrolling at Brahma Carambolim as a security measure to the Brahmadev Temple.

THOUSANDS BID FAREWELL TO JACKSON COUTINHO

CANACONA: Shortly before laying Jackson Coutinho to his final rest, thousands gathered at Ordhofond, the little village of Canacona deep into the woods to bid Adieu to the departed soul. Tears were flowing uncontrollably from the eyes of father, mother, sisters and other relations including friends and sympathizers of the Jackson’s family.

Crowd say farewell  at Jackson's Funeral Services

Thousands thronged the little place in the midst of the bushes with a tiny road that leads to his house to pay their last respect to the departed youth including many members of Niz Goenkar. Many could not control their emotion as they wept profusely beside the coffin and at grave of the young youth from the village. His demise came just at a time when his future was just blooming. His parents, sisters and brother in law and other relations were sobbing loudly.

Jacksons body was brought from Dubai last night and preserved at the Margao Morgue before being taken to his ancestral house before ceremonial burial. He was dressed in a white golden suit draped in a white coffin. Outside the house, the band played melody as a tradition for the young bachelor. As the coffin left the house, the burst of fire crackers overtook the sound of the flowing river over the rocks that lasted until the Chapel of O.L. Fatima and unto cemetery beside the chapel into thick woods.

A Eucharistic High Mass was celebrated by six Priests at the Chapel with a short homily paid by Fr. Conceisao. Thereafter, his body was laid to rest as people paid their last Adieu and left.

VARGHESE MURDER CASE: EX-IGP GETS LIFE IMPRISONMENT

KERALA: Former Inspector-General of Police K Lakshmana, who was convicted by a CBI court for the murder of Naxalite leader A Varghese 40 years ago, was sentenced to life term.  The prosecution had sought death penalty for 74-year-old Lakshmana claiming that it was a very rare case of the police shooting a person dead in custody.

The judge also directed Lakshmana to pay a fine of Rs 10,000, to be given to the family of Varghese.

Earlier, public prosecutor, Vaikom Purshothamana Nair, urged the court to give the accused the maximum punishment of death penalty as this was the "rarest of rare case" as a common man was branded as Naxalite, taken to Thirunelly forests and shot dead in cold blood with his hands tied.

The case was earlier closed by the local police as a case of death in police encounter. Subsequently, in 1998 a constable claimed that he had shot dead Varghese in police custody under the orders of his superior officers.

Kerala high court then directed CBI to investigate the matter. Accordingly the case was registered on March 31, 999 and investigation taken up after 29 years of the incident.

During the investigation, most of the documents including the police records such as FIR, Post Mortem Report and Final Reports could not be recovered. However, the extensive investigation of CBI revealed that Varghese was killed in the police custody by said constable on the orders of the then Dy. SP and the then DIG, Calicut.

Accordingly, a charge sheet was filed in the court on December 16, 2002 against the then DIG, Calicut (later DGP, Kerala), the then Dy SP (later IGP) and the constable. All of them had retired from the service by then.

The accused agitated the matter on number of occasions before the High Court and he Supreme Court praying for their discharge but their prayers were dismissed.

During the course of trial accused constable expired in November, 2006. - by Rajesh Gaur(ANI)

WARRANT AGAINST GERMAN, MOTHER DAUGHTER TO DEPOSE IN THE COURT

PANJIM: Goa court Friday ordered the prosecution to issue warrants to the German mother and daughter, who had complained of sexual abuse against the son of a state minister, to remain present in the court.  Goa Children's Court President P V Sawaikar said that warrants be issued to the minor victim and her mother, who are currently in Germany, to remain present in the court for deposition.

Goa Education Minister Atanasio Monserratte's son, Rohit is accused of sexually abusing a minor German girl in 2008.  The mother had filed police complaint on October 02, 2008 and Rohit surrendered on November 04 after being on the run.

The medical examination on the girl had confirmed sexual abuse.  Since the beginning of the prosecution, the Court has been facing problems to get the deposition of the duo.

In the past, two warrants were issued against duo, and both the times, they refused to co-operate.  In August, the mother, through an e-mail communication to the court had said that she was not willing to continue with the case. - PTI

RACIAL ATTACK: GOAN SCHOOL BOY ATTACKED BY AUSTRALIANS

MELBOURNE:  A 12 yr old Goan boy was injured and underwent surgery to reconstruct his eye socket in racial attack in Australia reports ANI.  Two boys, whom the 12 year old student did not know, attacked him on October 18 in his school in Melbourne. “For no reason they came behind me with a scarf and were pulling me. When I told them to stop, one of them punched me in the eye,” the victim said.

The boy’s father said his family has been so traumatised by the bashing that he is considering returning to Goa. The family now felt “scared and insecure in this area and school”, stated the father of the victim.

“I feel he was attacked because he was black, because of his skin colour,” his father said.

However, the school principal said the incident was being probed thoroughly and she was convinced it was not a racist attack. However, she said the injuries were serious and the school was very concerned the report states further. (DG)

SECURITY BEGINS CRACK DOWN ON TERROR IN THE STATE

PANJIM: The third joint coastal security exercise " Sagar Kavach"-involving the Navy, coastal police, and central and the state security agencies-to check preparedness in terror situations, began successfully on Thursday morning, albeit leading to major traffic jams at several busy places during peak hours.

Besides affecting several office-goers, the jam also inconvenienced school children who are in the midst of their mid-term examinations. "We were stuck for almost an hour in Porvorim. I thought my child wouldn't make it to school on time to answer his mid-term exams. Adequate arrangements need to be made to ensure that the common man is not inconvenienced," said an upset parent.

Apologizing for the disarray caused on account of the nakabandis during the exercise, Goa police spokesperson Atmaram Deshpande said, "We request people to cooperate as these exercises are being conducted for better preparedness against any terrorist attack. Terrorists will never strike at a fixed time. They can attack anytime and we need to be prepared".

On Thursday at 6am, a message was flashed by the Goa police that 'red force' men have infiltrated Goa and would be targeting a temple, a five star hotel and a church. The task for the security agencies was to apprehend the terrorists before they could strike their targets.

"The police, Navy, Coast Guard, and hotel security staff were alerted, and the men flung into action. The 'terror suspects' were caught within few hours," official sources said.

According to officials, the main purpose of the exercise was to enhance synergy of security agencies at sea and on land, and to test the efficiency and validation of the standard operating procedure. Various mock drills and situations were injected to test the joint response of the forces against offensive actions spread over the sea and land, said sources.

"The effort put in by all stake holders would strengthen the surveillance, detection and identifications of enemy forces, communication network and security measures. The exercise would be analyzed to improve the coastal security system," said sources.

"Though the earlier two mock operations were also successful, we had identified certain lacunae which needed to be fixed. Such exercises also ensure better coordination among various agencies and improves response time," security sources added. (TNN)

FISHING COMMUNITY IN GOA ON STRIKE:PROTESTS CRZ NOTIFICATION

PANJIM:  Fish markets and fishing jetties across the state wore deserted look as the fishing community struck their work protesting the draft coastal regulation zone notification.  The All India strike call, given by the National Fisherworkers Forum (NFF) evoked tremendous response in Goa, which has fishing as third largest economic activity after tourism and mining.

NFF president Matanhy Saldanha said that all the stakeholders of fishing industry cooperated in the strike.  "Trawler owners, fish merchants and fish vendors participated in the strike," he said.

Saldanha said that the central government should now atleast realise about tremendous dissident against it because of the draft CRZ notification.

The activity at Malim jetty, tucked across Mandovi river overlooking the capital city of Panaji, came to a standstill since morning.  Mandovi Fishermen Welfare Co-operative Society chairman Menino Afonso said that those trawlers which have already ventured in the sea have been asked to stay there and not to return to the jetty.

"Those who are at the shore have been asked not to go today," Afonso said expressing his full support for the agitation.  Afonso heads the co-operative society at state's one of the biggest jetty, which has 300-odd trawlers venturing from it.

The strike will continue for a day and fishes would be available only by tomorrow, Saldanha added. - PTI

TICKET MACHINES TO BE INSTALLED TO EASE COMMUTERS

PANJIM: Standing in long queues to purchase tickets for shuttle bus service could be a thing of the past as the Kadamba Transport Corporation has proposed to install ticket vending machines in the state. The proposal could materialise by early next year.

Confirming the reports that the KTC would go ahead with installing automated machines, the KTC managing director, Mr Venancio Furtado said, “We are definitely going to have ticket vending machines in the state. However, it (beginning of the initiative) may take some time. We are holding talks with various companies offering the machines so that we can have the best.”

Throwing light on how ticket vending machines will function, the transport director, Mr Arun Dessai informed that the vending machines would operate like an automated teller machine which would be fed with fare table, destination, and connected to a self-printing machine. He said the commuter would have to punch the starting point to his or her destination.

A ticket will be generated giving the distance covered, fare and date which would have to be given to the conductor for a proper accounting of trip summary. This is aimed at preventing pilferage of revenue.

Mr Furtado said the Central Institute of Road Transport, Pune, has given the corporation a list of 12 companies of which two have already made presentations, while the corporation is going through presentations of other companies before making a final decision and floating a tender. He said that each company has something different to offer and hence the corporation would have a close look at what each company has to offer before choosing the best.

Goa would receive Rs 1.5 crore from the Union government for putting up the vending machines while the state government would have to shell out an equal amount for the project, Mr Dessai said. He said the Centre has been encouraging state governments in the country to promote use of automated ticket vending machines, which prompted the state to avail of the scheme.

Recently, a team of CIRT experts was in Goa to study the modality of installing machines and held talks with officials of the KTC and the transport department.

The cost of each automated machine is around Rs 3500 to Rs 8000.

Highly placed sources on condition of anonymity informed that the move, once it becomes a reality, would replace manual ticketing providing relief to thousands of commuters travelling by the KTC, especially its shuttle bus service.

Mr Furtado said the corporation is identifying the number of stops on routes where the ticket vending machines could be installed. (NT)

GOA POLICE TOLD TO OPEN DOSSIERS ON NIZ GOENKAR FOUNDERS by Bebdo

An investigation has been ordered by Goa’s home ministry officials against the activities of Niz Goenkar and to open dossiers on its founders, according to a very reliable source in the Goa Police.

Goa’s Home Minister is Ravi Naik and probably he must have issued the alleged instructions to find out who the founders of Niz Goenkars are. This reliable source told yours truly that the intelligence guys are working on finding more about Bebdo, Dalia, DLP, Menino de Valpoi and N.Fernandes. Probably they know who Menino is since he was a police officer once upon a time before quitting the force as he was an upright officer. But they have no clue about the rest of the above named individuals.

This reliable source also said that the cyber cell of the Goa police has been given the task to monitor the Niz Goenkar site on a regular basis.

My dear Goan brothers and sisters, we knew right from the beginning that we would be targeted by all those who are in power and whose misdeeds we are exposing on this site.

First they tried to intimidate us through e-mails, telephone calls and when all that failed they tried to buy us out by offering crores of rupees.

Let me tell you my dear Niz Goenkars and those of you who are following this site, we are not frightened to give our lives to save Goa. Today, if one Bebdo dies, then tomorrow from the sacrificial blood of this Niz Goenkar, thousands and thousands of Niz Goenkars will rise to protect Goa and Goans. Like Netaji Subash Chandra Bose said “Give me blood and I will give you freedom”, I am telling those goons and police working for the illiterate-goonda politicians who are raping and looting Goa “to take my blood but give freedom to my Goan brothers and sisters who are living in fear, who don’t have a job because they don’t have the money to bribe the politicians and whose homes are being bought by the non-Goans”. And I am sure all my other Niz Goenkars are ready to sacrifice their blood to save Goa for the Goans.

We also received a word of caution from our Dr. Niz Goenkar from Goa. This Dr. was in the forefront of an organisation which was opposing the illiterate-goonda politicians in Goa from ruining our land. He was silenced through threats and intimidation and finally he gave up despite having popular support in Goa. In his instructions he has advised us the dos and donts of ensuring personal safety. He has also said that we should remember that we are working against the goondas and those goondas would go to any extent to get to us. But we are not afraid. We too know how to tackle them.

Let me explain this by giving an example. Most of you must be aware that when the lions hunt, the hyenas always follow them from a distance. The hyenas very rarely hunt a prey on their own. They will then feed on the carcasses the lions have left after filling their stomach. Sometimes, they will also be very close to the lions while pulling bits and pieces of the leftovers. After some years, when the lion that is the head of the pride becomes old and is challenged by a young lion, the old lion usually walks away. He becomes a loner and as he cannot hunt anymore he usually goes hungry. When the same hyenas who used to feast on the leftovers this lion used to kill when he was young see that the king of the jungle is now weak and frail, they attack him. They will come in a pack and finally kill him.

This is the same story of our illiterate politicians and their goons. The moment the goons realise that their “lion” has become powerless, they will try to kill him.

But Niz Goenkars are not like the lion and the hyenas. Niz Goenkars are the cobras. If someone steps on their tail, they will strike. And the bite of a cobra is fatal. Unlike the lions and the hyenas, the cobras never attack in a group.Most of the time no one even knows where the cobra is hiding. Even the lions and hyenas never cross the path of a cobra.

So my dear Goan brothers and sisters, do not be afraid if someone tries to threaten or intimidate you for being a Niz Goenkar. Be proud to say that you are a Niz Goenkar. Only then we will be able to save our Goa from being robbed by the Ali Baba and his 40 chors.

As for the Goa Police, let me tell them, we will get the information first before it goes in our files at the police headquarters.

Viva Goa, Viva Niz Goenkar. Goa for Goans.

DR. OSCAR REBELLO ASKS PEOPLE TO ELECT GOOD CANDIDATES

MARGAO: Social activist Dr Oscar Rebello has called upon the people of Margao to vote and elect good candidates in the ensuing Municipal polls for the betterment of the Commercial Capital.  Addressing the election meeting of former Margao Municipal Chairperson Piedade Noronha in ward No 3 of the Civic body, Rebello said the time has come for Goans to come together and unitedly support good candidates.

“The time has now come to think and act collectively if Goa and Margao has to improve. We have been selfish in our attitude in the past”, he said.  Dr Rebello reminded that what matters in a democracy is people and made a humble appeal to the people to vote for good candidates.

He also said that organizations such as the Loksamiti would remain vigilant and be after the candidates to usher in the development of the ward.

In his address, spokesman of the Margao Loksamiti Mohandas Lolienkar lambasted GPCC general secretary Vijay Sardessai for calling him an outsider, reminding Sardesai that he has been putting up in the town since the 70’s.

He said the Margao Loksamiti will act as a pressure group after the Municipal polls in the interest of the city, adding that Madgaonkars should get united after the polls to help in the development of the city.

Calling for an end to dynasty politics, Lolienkar said that the Loksamiti even will not hesitate to take on Piedade Norohna if she goes against the people.

Former GPYC Girish Chodankar said the Loksamiti is behind Piedade Norohna as she had fought against corruption in the civic body during her term. “Not a single person has raised a finger at Piedade for corruption. She has proved herself as a Councillor”, he said.

Chodankar said that some Congressmen are fooling the people by saying that the Congress party is supporting a certain candidate in the ward. “Elections for the Municipal bodies are not fought on party lines. The Congress party is not supporting any particular candidate. These leaders are only fooling the voters”, he said.

In his spirited address, Piedade asserted that she had never taken any money during her tenure as Councilor of the Civic body. She appealed to the voters not to get misguided by the opposition talk that I am being supported by the BJP.

“The Municipal polls are not fought on party lines. The symbol Hand and Lotus are not there in these elections”, she said, while making a humble appeal to the voters to decide which candidate would serve them better.

On the Kabrastan issue, she blamed GPCC General Secretary Vijay Sardessai for trying to divide the Muslims and other communities on the sensitive burial grounds. “Sardessai is telling the Muslims that I have objected to the Kabrastan. And, he tells the Catholics that I am supporting the Kabrastan”, she said.

She also pooh phooed PWD Minster Churchill Alemao’s claim that he had ushered in development projects in Fatorda, adding that the PWD Minister has failed to settle pending bills of even small time road contractors.

Margao Loksamiti convenor Dr Gopal Vaidya, Purnanand Chari, Scheduled Tribe leader Antonio Gauncar, Loksamiti leader Dr Lanfred D’costa, Urfan Mulla, Ifitiaz Shaikh, Prashant Naik were amongst the speakers who addressed the meeting. (HD)

JOSE PHILIP SAYS CONSPIRACY TO DEFEAT HIS PANEL BY RIVALS

VASCO: Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza on Thursday accused political parties and rivals of hatching a conspiracy to defeat his panel in the Mormugao Municipal Council election on Sunday.  Addressing media persons at NCP office in Vasco, D’Souza said political parties and his rivals have clubbed together to defeat his panel.

“It is a conspiracy hatched by my rivals to create a gloomy picture in the council election to gain mileage and defeat my candidates,” said D’Souza.

He said this is not the first time that his rivals and political parties have clubbed together to defeat him, but despite similar efforts often by his rivals, D’Souza managed to win the elections twice from Vasco.

“I have never promoted ‘goondagiri’ in the port town in my political career of 30 years, but my rivals have created such a hype to defame me,” said D’Souza.

“I have faith in my people and they will answer all the critics in the election,” added D’Souza.

When asked about Pacheco’s allegation that D’Souza manhandled him, D’Souza shot back saying: “I protected him from the furious mob and escorted him safely to his friend’s car.”

He further clarified that the people from Vasco and Mormugao, who joined the Congress party on Wednesday, were neither NCP members nor workers.

“We welcome the decision of the Election Commission to sensitized Wards 15 and 16, as we too wanted transparency in the election process,” added D’Souza.

When asked that it is learnt that former tourism minister Mickey Pacheco hatched a game plan against D’Souza to defeat his candidates to please high command so that the D’Souza would lose his party president post, the revenue minister said: “Adopting such anti-party means is Mickky’s style, but such things can be done with love and affection.”

Meanwhile, Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association (GFBOA) Vice President Jose Nicolau D’Souza has accused GFBOA President Simon Pereira, who joined the Congress party along with his supporters, of mixing politics with association affairs. Pereira has, however, said he had joined the Congress party in his individual capacity. "If GFBOA president’s post is associated with me, it’s not my problem," he said. (HD)

MICKKY SAYS JOSE PHILIP ATTEMPTED TO KILL HIM

VASCO: NCP legislator and Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco on Thursday alleged that Revenue Minister and fellow NCP legislator Jose Philip D'Souza had attempted to kill him, besides instigating others to set them ablaze following their spat on Tuesday.

Pacheco's sworn statement to the police contradicts Revenue Minister Jose Philip D'Souza's claims that he (Jose Philip) had protected the Benaulim MLA from the furious mob and escorted him safely to his friend's car.

Pacheco (46) had been called by the Vasco police on Thursday to submit his statement in connection with the assault on him at Hotel Maharaj, Vasco on Tuesday night.

"I was sitting at Hotel Maharaja, Vasco, along with my friends namely Simon Pereira, Edwin Carvalho, both residents of Vasco and Raul D'costa of Chicalim and Lazarus Diago Pereira, resident of Betalbatim, Kalpesh Shelvonkar, Ravindranath Sawant and others from about 8 pm onwards," stated Pacheco in his letter to the Vasco police.

"At about 8.30 pm, Jose Philip D'Souza, Minister for Revenue and Civil Supplies, along with Kritesh Gaonkar, Councillor and former chairperson of Mormugao Municipal Council and a few others approached me and my friends. Jose Philip in an agitated tone wanted to know what I was doing in Vasco."

"Even before I could reply, Jose Philip charged at me and caught hold of my collar and began assaulting me with fist blows on my face and chest. Soon Jose Philip was joined by the above named people with him and all of them started manhandling and assaulting my other friends who were with me as well," stated Pacheco.

He alleged that Jose Philip also called in more people and soon more than 80 people came there and they started smashing the hotel (Restaurant).

"Then Jose Philip lifted a chair and hit at me but I was lucky to have missed it narrowly, I would have even died if the said chair which was aimed by Jose Philip at my head had to hit me," said Pacheco in his statement.

"Kritesh Gaonkar, Nanoskar, Anthony and others broke soda bottles at the direction of Jose Philip and tried to stab me and my friends."

"However, we managed to escape from the restaurant. As I came out and sat in the vehicle (GA-08-F-1854) of my friend Lazarus Diago Pereira, Jose Philip along with Kritesh Gaonkar, Anthony Fernandes, Sanny (Jose Philip's Brother-in-Law) and others came chasing us and blocked the car by standing in front of it," said the Benaulim MLA.

Pacheco then alleged that Jose Philip directed Kritesh Gaonkar and others to smash our car with a 20 kilo laterite stone on the windscreen.

"If it had to land on my friend Lazarus Diago Pereira, then that would have been the end of him. Jose Philip even directed his friends to set our car on fire with us inside it."

"Kritesh Gaonkar, Sanny and others started throwing boulders on the windscreen and other places on the car and smashed the car. Jose Philip was heard asking for a lighter/matchbox to set the car on fire with us inside it," claimed Pacheco.

"However my friend Diago who was sitting on the driver's seat had good presence of mind and zoomed away in the same smashed condition and hence we were saved," he added.(HD)

KAMALNATH & KAMAT TRYING TO LOOT GOA SAYS PARRIKAR

PANJIM: BJP on Thursday alleged that Union transport and highways minister Kamal Nath and Goa chief minister Digamber Kamat were trying to "loot" the state through the land acquisition process for the proposed national highway project.

"Kamal Nath, Goa chief minister Digamber Kamat and company is not dealing with the national highway expansion issue as per the model code," Goa's Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar said.

"They are trying to convert the national highway expansion project into a Commonwealth Games infrastructure like scam, to loot the state," he claimed.   The National Highway Authority of India's expansion plan is yet to take off in Goa due to opposition to the land acquisition process by the locals.

Parrikar said the State government's plan was to acquire land for a 60 metres width road. "I went through various Public private partnership highway projects taken up by NHAI. Their width is not more than 30 to 35 metres," he claimed.

The BJP leader said that the state government should bring out a white paper on the issue giving all details of the project.

He demanded that the state government in future should come clean on their land acquisition policy.

"Any project in which Central government wants to acquire huge land, should be properly scrutinised taking everyone into confidence," Parrikar said.

The former Goa chief minister said BJP will continue opposing the national highway expansion in its current form, till the government comes out with clean slate. (TNN)

GOAN MIGRATION IS AN UNHEALTHY TREND by Nisser Dias

Last week a local news daily carried an item about Goans acquiring Portuguese citizenship and migrating to European countries for better quality of life there. It is said that the pasture is greener on the other side of fence and some of our Goan brethren have bitten the bait and have experienced a better quality of life in the faraway land by way of better education for their children, better health facilities so on and so forth. But the question staring in our faces today, is this a healthy trend for Goa and Goans, who boast about their unique identity and culture.

Undoubtedly it is an individual decision and nobody has the right to impose one’s ideas or perception on the others. Migration has its advantages and disadvantages, but in Goa our authorities are yet to analyze and study the impact of permanent migrations of Goans to other parts of the world.

So far and some decades back, migration of Goans to Gulf or America or elsewhere in the world were purely for employment reasons and one could be sure that Goans would ultimately return to his roots. But this trend has paved the way for permanent settlement especially among the younger generations who were brought up outside the country or rather the state. This is because this particular generation have not experienced our traditions, cultures, our way of living as they were brought up in foreign land, educated and mingled with children of lot other nationalities with a few Goan families for comfort at the place of residence. Thus the love for Goa to them is alien.

Having said so, I do not wish to cast aspersions on those permanently migrating to other countries. Infact many Goans who have opted or rather forced to work abroad due to lack of opportunities here. They have surely given a boost to our economy. The demand for unskilled labour in other countries has been huge and Goans have cashed in on it and made living for their families in Goa comfortable.

But the current trend or acquiring Portuguese citizenship to settle in Europe is disturbing especially to the Catholic community. According to information provided in the House that 1200 Goans have acquired Portuguese citizenship since 2008 is frightful because a time will come in the near future when we will be struggling to maintain our identity. Firstly because of Goans migrating to some other countries and this vacuum is being filled by migrants from other parts of the country.

The scenario looks even bleak for the Christian community first because for decades now Christian families had adopted two children per family system and the trend is further changing to one child per family. This coupled with the fact that a large section of Christian community seeking employment oversees. If one assess the percentage of Christians in government departments including police department one will realize that barely 5 to 10 percent of the employees are from the Christian community.

To further add to this dwindling numbers a large section of Christian community prefer to stay single because of host of reasons like unemployment and also employment abroad which keeps them away from their families, long working hours with hardly any time for families and some simply do not want the shoulder the burden of marriage and family. To add to this number is the high rate of divorce cases which scuttle family ties.

In contrast to this Hindu communities are more conservative in nature even today, they marry among their own communities, still seek employment closer to home and family, though the trend in Hindu families is also changing to two children system the Hindu community is on a stronger wicket.

Then there is another angle to this Portuguese citizenship. Even after Goans acquire foreign citizenship, it is not mandatory for them to give up their rights in Goa. Infact the government protects their property rights here causing a lot of heartburn to relatives living here. For example one Goan family had migrated to Portugal almost five decades back. Their children were also born and brought there and they have not once bothered to visit Goa. But as of today this same family is demanding share of ancestral property here.

The government has the details of migration with it, it should study the intricacies, complexities and legality of the matter and come out with legislation that allows Goans to acquire Portugal citizenship but at the same time, government should also safeguard the interests of Goans staying behind. If at all Goans have not acquired Gulf citizenship, it is because Gulf countries do not have the policy of granting citizenship to any foreigner. This have proved to be a boon to the state otherwise thousands of Goans would have preferred to acquire citizenship there. Of course in some case some Goan families after working for some years in Gulf have migrated to Canada, Australia, America and even New Zealand.

However whatever said and done migration of Goans in huge numbers is not very healthy for our state and the government should evolve ways and means to discourage the trend. The government should seriously think of creating opportunities for the younger generations to stay back, it should revamp its policies regarding education and health. This would also infuse fresh blood in the functioning and administration of the state and also help in building our economy.

FAREWELL TO JACKSON by Niz Goenkar

Farewell to Jackson, farewell to the smiling face

The birth place of Ordhofond, the place you loved

Wherever you wander, wherever you roved

The hills of Canacona for ever you loved

Farewell to the young but strong man

Farewell to the sufferings and green valleys below

Farewell to the forests and wild-hanging woods

Farwell to the torrents and loud-pouring floods

Creator of life and light.

We praise thee this day for the beauty of thy world

For sunshine and flowers and for the life of Jackson

storm-cloud and starry night, for the radiance of dawn

And the last smouldering calm of the sunset

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal

Love leaves a memory no one can steal

For a man who has done his natural duty, death is as natural as sleep

Everything that has a beginning has an ending

Make your peace with that and all will be well

Good bye Jackson, Good bye from NIZ GOENKARS

CS URGED TO WITHDRAW ILLEGAL POLICE SECURITY GIVEN TO HEALTH MINISTER VISHWAJIT RANE

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues has today urged the Chief Secretary of Goa Mr. Sanjay Srivastava to immediately withdraw the illegal police security given to Goa’s Health Minister Mr. Vishwajit Rane.

In a letter to the Chief Secretary today Adv. Rodrigues has stated that Mr. Vishwajit Rane as a Cabinet Minister was only entitled to Y Security but that he has been given Z -Plus Security on par with the Chief Minister of the State.

Adv. Rodrigues has stated that though Mr. Vishwajit Rane was entitled to only 2 Personal Security officers he has been given 24 Personal Security officers.

Adv. Rodrigues has stated that besides this Mr. Vishwajit Rane has also been given two police escort jeeps which he is also not entitled to.

Adv. Rodrigues has stated that this illegal police security given to Mr. Vishwajit Rane was a financial burden of over five lakhs a month on the State exchequer.

Adv. Rodrigues has also stated that the Z-Plus security given to Mr. Vishwajit Rane has not been approved by the Goa Government’s security categorization review committee as required.

Alleging that Mr. Vishwajit Rane has been enjoying this illegal police security from 2007, Adv. Rodrigues has demanded that the Goa Government should recover from the Health Minister Vishwajit Rane all this illegal expenditure incurred on him.

Adv. Rodrigues has also demanded action against those police officials responsible for allowing Health Minister Mr. Vishwajit Rane to enjoy this illegal police security

FLIGHTS DIVERTED FROM LANDING AT DABOLIM

DABOLIM:  Three flights, including a chartered plane, were diverted from the Goa airport on Wednesday due to an oil spill on the runway, an official said.

A tanker carrying 6,000 litres of aviation fuel had Saturday night overturned on the runway of the airport which is run by the Indian Navy. Navy officials say the runway would be fully operational only by Friday.

Dabolim airport director D. Paul Manickam said repair work was on at the runway and the oil spill had reduced its length from 11,000 ft to 6,900 ft.

"Three flights were diverted in the morning. After the spillage on the runway, repair work is still going on, which has reduced its length. The visibility was also not good," the senior Airport Authority of India (AAI) official said.

The three flights were a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Goa carrying 127 passengers, which was diverted to Bangalore; a Jet Airways flight from Mumbai to Goa that was sent back to Mumbai; and an Amsterdam to Goa chartered flight carrying 324 passengers that was diverted to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Airport sources said the pilots decided against landing the planes at the Goa airport for safety considerations.

"The reduced declared distance however has put restrictions on bigger aircraft, including the Boeing 747," a statement issued by the naval authorities said. (TNN)

MEETING OVER THE UGLY VASCO INCIDENT

PANJIM: The spat between two state leaders of the nationalist congress party Jose Philip D’Souza and Francisco Xavier Pacheco in Vasco on Tuesday, can further weaken the party.  At an emergency meeting called at the party headquarters in Panjim on Wednesday the Revenue minister and Vasco MLA has said that he had an evidence against his party colleague Mr Pacheco to prove that he was distributing money to defeat his candidates while Mr Pacheco said he was at a public place hence the question of distributing money does not arise

Smashed Car in which Mickky Pacheco travelled to

Speaking to the media first, the former Tourism Minister said that he was not distributing money at Vasco on Tuesday night and warned Jose Philip of retaliation. “He put his hand on me and I will never spare him. You can keep this on record. He put a hand on me in the public place where I was having my food OK? Which I am not going to tolerate and I will not spare him in the rest of my life”. Mickky told the media.

Mickky also said “See I don’t have to ring a bell and do what I have to do.” He further reiterated saying “You see before I could tell something there was a people from Vasco, they came and explained our party members what happened”

According to the version of Jose Philip who is also the party president, it was he who pushed his party colleague into his car to save him from the attack by his supporters. Mr. D’Souza also claimed that he had proof that Mickky was trying to distribute money on Tuesday night in his constituency.

D’Souza had this to say “Because all the supporters were going, I too went with them. He (Pacheco) had come to Maharaja Hotel and was just preparing to distribute the money which he was carrying in a bag. What I am trying to say is why did Mickky come to our constituency and started causing disturbances in our constituency, our youth which is wrong and is also an anti party activity.”

He further said that if Mickky is blaming him for assaulting him, then that is wrong because he himself gave the statement that Jose Philip has not assaulted me but pushed me away. “If I did not push him aside, then Mickky would have got heavy beating from the angry supporters and the strength of our supporters was about 800”. He said.

The committee first heard what Mr. D’Souza had to say before giving Pacheco a chance to tell his version of the story. NCP spokesperson Trajano D’Mello said the meeting was held to know the facts of the incident at Vasco on Tuesday night. “We have taken the stock of the situation and taken very serious note of the happenings at Vasco. We have decided to place the whole scene with the High Command to take suitable, corrective measures that such things may not repeat again” said Trajano.

The supporters of Pacheco and D’Souza have both filed complaints against each other at the Vasco Police Station. Even as the former tourism minister was refered to GMC Bambolim for medical examination on Tuesday night. The usually controversial Pacheco had resigned as tourism minister in June this year after being booked for Culpable homicide in the death of his close friend Nadia Torrado.

Earlier on Tuesday night, the supporters of Jose Philip D’Souza, allegedly attacked Pacheco at the Maharaja Hotel at Vasco for distributing money among voters to defeat candidate backed by D’Souza in the Civic polls to be held on October 31st. The high drama of muscle power took place at about 8:40 PM when the D’Souza supporters noticed that Mickky was with some Vasco-ites in the hotel. Mr. D’Souza along with his supporters barged into the hotel and assaulted Mr. Pacheco. During the commotion bear bottles and glasses were broken forcing Mickky to take to his heels.

More than 200 supporters of D’Souza marched to the Vasco police along with him. A complaint was lodge by the ex-counsellor A. Fernandes, Mr Salgaonkar & Estella Dias accusing Pacheco of distributing money to voters to defeat Mr. D’Souza’s candidate specially his wife and brother in the Municipal elections on 31st October.

U-TURN BY GPCC CHIEF SUBASH SHIRODKAR

PANJIM: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Subhash Shirodkar today made U-turn on his statement on having no alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for forthcoming Assembly elections.

“Whether to have alliance with NCP or not, it is for the High command to decide”, Shirodkar told reporters after accepting 200-odd workers including NCP leaders in the party-fold.

Shirodkar said that it is not wise to discuss about alliance 12 to 15 months before the elections.

When pointed out that he had told a local news channel that next time, Congress won’t go with NCP for polls, Shirodkar said that it is his personal opinion that Congress can go alone.

“You look at the trend in Valpoi by-poll. There is lead by 8,000 votes. What does it indicate? It means people are increasingly moving towards Congress in Goa”, he said.

Meanwhile, NCP’s loss was Congress gain today. Simon Pereira, a NCP leader, joined Congress along with 80 others, few hours after he was allegedly assaulted by supporters of Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza.

Pereira was amongst the people dining with former tourism minister and Benaulim legislator Mickky Pacheco on Tuesday night at Vasco.

Shirodkar this evening told reporters that Pereira has joined the Congress. He, however, did not specify from which party, Pereira came from.

“They are all 80 of them belonging to different parties”, Shirodkar said responding to a question.

Shirodkar said that being a democratic country every person has a right to decide. “If any person is not happy with the party he belongs to they have full freedom to join the party of their choice”, he stated.

Pereira, who is also president of All Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association, along with his association members including Edwin Carvalho joined Congress.

Shirodkar said that there are many more from all walks of life who will join Congress in the days to come. “We have not promised any post to anyone”, he clarified.

Flanked by Goa Pradesh Youth Congress Committee (GPYCC) President Sankalp Amonkar, Shirodkar also announced arrival of NCP’s youth wing senior vice president Erwin Fernandes in Youth Congress fold along with few other office bearers.

Incidentally, Congress’ move to induct the leaders from NCP youth wing is retaliation for NCP’s move to take Youth Congress’ former leader Tanvir Khatib into their fold. Khatib was appointed as Goa Unit youth wing president by NCP.

Khatib had alleged massive scam in Canacona flood relief funds collected by GPYCC.

Talking to reporters soon after filling the Congress membership forms, Fernandes said he was short-listed for the post of NCP Youth Wing president in Goa but suddenly some of the leaders admitted Khatib into the party. He said that Khatib’s arrival was unacceptable to them.

“What’s the use of remaining in a party where rights of youth are not protected?” He questioned.

Fernandes has joined Congress with other office bearers including Sham Mandrekar, Viraj Upaskar, Jayant Govekar, Ajit Naik and others.