BAN SANATHAN SONSTHA TO SAVE GOANS AND GOA’S SECULAR AND UNIQUE IDENTITY by Bebdo

The terrorist organisation Sanathan Sonstha which is responsible for the Diwali eve bombing incidents in Margao last year should be banned from Goa. This fundamentalist organisation which wants to establish a divine kingdom in India is working against the principle of secularism and misguiding Goan Hindus with its belligerent brainwashing sessions at its huge ashram in Ramnathi, Ponda.

This terrorist organisation also publishes a Marathi newspaper called Sanathan Prabhat in which articles are written of hatred against the Christians and Muslims of Goa and India.

On December 9, 2005, this Marathi newspaper ridiculed the Bible and called it a book of pornography. In that article, the Sanathan Prabhat said that it was exposing “the real nature of Bible” by calling it a “manual for teaching immorality” which discusses in detail “the rape of a sister by a brother”.

It also makes many references to the Bible and says that the Bible promotes incest and immoral practices. In most of their articles against the Christians, the Sanathan Prabhat usually depicts the priest as a devil with huge horns who is out to convert Hindus to Christianity.

The newspaper Sanatan Prabhat even went to the extent of writing in its September 2004 issue that the sacred body of Goa’s Patron Saint St. Francis Xavier should be destroyed. They gave many reasons for the destruction of the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier and one of them is that St. Francis Xavier was responsible for the inquisition in Goa and was responsible for converting many Hindus to Christianity.

Not only that, in November 2005, the newspaper also carried humiliating articles on Islam and its founder the Prophet Mohammad. This article nearly created a riot in Miraj and the editor of Sanatan Prabhat was arrested.

Of late, the members of the Sanathan Sonstha, some of whom are also members of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, have attacked Subodh Kerkar, one of Goa’s famous artists, for his paintings on Hindu deities. His gallery was attacked and these terrorists wanted Subodh to apologise for his paintings which they felt were sacrilegious.

Recently, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has appealed to the Directorate of NRI affairs to make tourists aware to stop hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus by wearing clothes having the divine symbol ‘OM’ or pictures of Hindu deities printed thereon. They have asked the Directorate of NRI affairs to abide by the orders passed by the North Goa Collector regarding the ban on sale of such clothes in Goa. The District Collector of North Goa has issued an order, directing the Sub-Divisional Magistrates of the district to keep vigil to stop the sale of such T-shirts having pictures of Hindu deities and divine symbols, so that no untoward incidents take place due to hurting of the sentiments of Hindus. (Double standards, isn’t it when they humiliate and ridicule other religions?)

In fact, some tourists, especially foreigners were attacked and warned of dire consequences if they were seen around wearing clothes with such objects.

Now what is this Sanathan Sonstha and how it established such a big ashram in Ramnathi in Ponda, Goa. The Sonstha was founded by Dr. Jayant Athavale, a clinical hypnotherapist in 1990. Athavale believes that he is the reincarnation of Arjun and is using the ashrams in Goa and Panvel as training institutions for his army which he believes will fight against the evil (Christians, Muslims and secular Hindus) and establish the Divine Kingdom by the year 2020.

In the guise of ‘Scientific Spiritualism’, the Sanathan Sonstha imparts “self defence” training to its members. They are taught the use of fire-arms, trishuls, clubs, and body-to-body combat.

The main supporter of this Sonstha is MGP’s MLA and minister Sudhin Dhavlikar and his wife Jyoti. The BJP also supports them, so too Pandurang Madkaikar, Ravi Naik and Digambar Kamat.

It has been proved beyond doubt that the Sanathan Sonstha is a terrorist organisation and are out to create communal disharmony in Goa and disrupt the traditional practices of Goan Hindus such as the burning of the effigies of Narakasura on Diwali eve which the Sanathan Sonstha is opposing as it believes that Goan Hindus are glorifying the demon king instead of Lord Krishna.

This Sonstha is trying to impose their way of thinking and ideology on the Goan Hindus and are using bombs and other threats to do so.

Had the Sanathan Sonstha been a Christian or a Muslim organisation that was responsible for terrorists activities, such as the bomb blasts on Diwali eve, by now it would have been banned and closed down.

Why is the Congress government of Digamber Kamat refusing to ban the Sonstha? How many more SIT inquires does Kamat want to prove that the Sonstha is indeed a terrorist organisation?

Wake up Goans, Goa is being systematically destroyed by the communal and fundamentalist organisations such as the Sanathan Sonstha and the RSS.

Wake up before it is too late.

Viva Goa, Viva Niz Goenkar, Goa for Goans

RETIRED HIGH COURT JUDGE ACCUSED OF ENJOYING ILLEGAL POLICE SECURITY

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues has today accused retired Judge of the Bombay High Court Mr. Nelson Britto of enjoying illegal police security.

Adv. Aires Rodrigues has stated that though Justice Nelson Britto had retired on Jan 8th this year, the police personnel were still posted at his Porvorim residence causing a further unnecessary and illegal financial burden to the State Exchequer.

In a letter to Goa’s Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjay Srivastava today Adv. Aires Rodrigues has demanded that this illegal police security be immediately withdrawn and that the illegal expenditure incurred on it be recovered from the retired High Court Judge.

Adv. Rodrigues has also demanded action against the police officials responsible for deploying this illegal police security.

Stating that all perks and privileges cease on the day any authority or official retires, Adv. Rodrigues has said that the law has to be complied by all with the higher ups leading by example.

Expressing anguish that a retired high judge was flouting the law, Adv. Rodrigues has stated the guardians of law could not themselves be breaching it.

SUSPENDED IN CUSTODIAL DEATH PI SANDESH CHODANKAR WANTS POLICE PROTECTION

PANJIM: Suspended Police Inspector Sandesh Chodankar on Sunday asked for police protection after two unknown persons had trespassed into his ancestral house at Neugi Nagar, here, on the pretext of repairing an electricity meter and started searching for him.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Deu Banavalikar said Chodankar had mentioned names of two people who, he stated, may have sent the two persons in connection with the Cipriano case. The suspended PI has now asked for police protection, Banavalikar informed.

Describing today’s incident as per a written complaint, Banavalikar said when the two unknown persons came knocking Chodankar’s younger brother’s wife and her minor son were at home. They told her the PI had complained the electricity meter needed repairs, he stated.

The DySP said the two tried to enter further inside the house but the sister-in-law of Chodankar stopped them saying the meter was working fine and it needed no repairs. The two inquired where the PI was and then left which made her suspicious, he mentioned.

He said a case has been registered against the unknown persons at the Panjim police station under Section 452 (criminal trespass) and 120-B (conspiracy). (HD)

SIT ISSUED NOTICE BY COURT FOR THREATS TO THE COMPLAINANT

PANJIM: The Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Court at Mapusa today issued a notice to the Special Investigating Team (SIT) after civil right activists complained Home Minister Ravi Naik was using the police force to threaten them into withdrawing or deleting a crucial name in the criminal complaint in the police-drug dealers nexus case.

Activist Kashinath Shetye said that the court issued a notice to the SIT to reply to their application by Monday when the matter will be next heard.

In an application before the NDPS court on January 24, Shetye and 12 others alleged that Police Inspector Sudesh Naik warned them to withdraw the name of one ‘Roy’ from the complaint.

“On or about January 12, 2010, Sudesh visited the applicants at their residences and asked them to withdraw the complaint or at least delete the name of “Roy”…Sudesh Naik claimed to be acting on the instructions of the home minister (government of Goa), Superintendent of Police Mangaldas Desai and Deputy Superintendent of Police Shamba Sawant,” the application read.

The complainants have asked the police to probe the police-drug dealers mafia nexus which included “One Mr Roy, who has a substantial presence in the drug industry as a drug lord.” The complaint, however, does not mention Roy’s surname.

The applicants had requested the court to direct the SIT to probe into all persons named in their complaint letter including former Anti Narcotics Cell Superintendent of Police Veenu Bansal and “Roy”.

Sawant incidentally probed into the spy-cam video showing police sub-inspector Sunil Gudlar selling drugs to two foreign women – Ayala Driham and Zarina, both kin of jailed drug lord David Driham alias Dudu. Gudlar is presently under suspension even as SIT is conducting an overall probe. (HD)

UNKNOWN BODY FOUND IN DECOMPOSED STATE AT VALPOI

VALPOI: Valpoi police have found a badly decomposed body lying in a stream located at Nagvem. Police Inspector, Mr Shivram Vainganker says the body was discovered by some unknown person and called up Valpoi police in the evening.

Police on receiving the call trace the location of body inside the forest which is just less than 50 metres away from Valpoi Panjim highway. He says the person's body was so badly decomposed that body parts were scattered about. It is presume that body has been lying from last 20 days and must have committed suicide.

Police presume it a case of suicide due to the fact that the 4 packets of rat poison is found of which 3 are emptied and also pet bottles containing liquid are lying in plastic bags adjacent to the decompose body. “At this stage it is impossible to say what is the exact cause of death but we can just presume with the available things” Mr Vainganker added. Police however confirmed that the body found is of male and revealed that except these material Paragon slippers of 9 numbers is found at the site.

Body is sent for post mortem after conducting panchanama by Head constable Mr Ankush Sawant under supervision of PI Shivram Vainganker.



Police Conducting Panchanama of the decomposed body PI Shivram Vaigankar (back faced) with his staff



CHURCHILL LASHES BACK AT BJP FOR CALLING HIM CORRUPT

MARGAO: A day after he was described as the root cause of corruption in the state, PWD Minister Churchill Alemao on Monday demanded to know from the BJP since when he became a corrupt man saying the same leaders were singing praises of him in the last Assembly.

Using the platform of a Self Help Group Haldi Kukum function near the Maruti Temple at Rumdamol village, Alemao demanded to know from MLA Damu Naik whether he did not find him corrupt while taking lakhs of money as donation from him for his film Jaagor.

“I find it difficult to understand that the same Damu who spoke well of me in the Assembly and is now painting me a corrupt man. He took money from me for his film Jaagor. Did he not realize at that time that the money he was taking was from corruption?” Alemao said and demanded that Damu should tell how he produced the film with a budget worth lakhs of rupees.

The PWD minister came down heavily on the Fatorda MLA for criticizing him for distributing rice, dal and oil from corruption money. “Who is Damu to tell me not to give these items to the poor and the down trodden. I have been doing this throughout my life as my conscience tells me to help the people in need. I don’t find anything wrong in my gesture,” he asserted.

Saying that the Fatorda MLA has tabled a question in the Legislative Assembly on the distribution of water tanks, Alemao said he has an answer to the question, but demanded to know from the BJP what they had done during their tenure to solve the water problems facing the people.

Referring to the criticism that Navelim has not witnessed any development in the constituency in the last three and half years, Alemao said, “It is for the people to see and judge whether development has taken place or not in the constituency during my tenure. Besides the bridges, I tried to strengthen sanitation and water supply to the constituents. The development is there for everyone to see,” Alemao told the gathering and appealed to the people not to get misguided by false propaganda from the opposition.

“I don’t care for the leaders. I only fear God and the people. Only the people can decide whether I should continue to serve them or sit at home,” he added. (HD)

DEATH OF CIPRIANO COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED AFTER HITTING HARD SURFACE: DR. SAPECO

PANJIM: Dr Silvano Dias Sapeco, professor and head of department of forensic sciences of Goa Medical College, has told the Goa State Police Complaint Authority that the death of Cipriano Fernandes could also have been caused by the two injuries that he might sustained after hitting surface.

Deposing before the GSPCA on Monday, Dr Sapeco maintained that the death occurred due to head injuries number 6 and 7, as he had earlier told the court of judicial magistrate first class, Ms Shabnam Shaikh, and that they also might have been caused by blunt blows on head, which were caused 36 hours before the death.

He also said that the injuries were not visible to the naked eye add that he could feel that swelling of the hematoma, which was confirmed at the re-section of scalp. Thus the impact of blunt elongated object on the head has caused external injury number 6 and 7 which in turn caused internal damage to the brain (in the manner of swelling and congestion of the brain), he told the GSPCA.

"I say that the colour change on the skin could not be appreciated because of presence of scalp hair," he added.

Meanwhile, the suspended police inspector of Panjim police station, Mr Sandesh Chodankar has questioned the findings of the team of the forensic department of the GMC, headed by Dr Sapeco, as regards to the death of Cipriano.

Appearing before Ms Shaikh and making a case for his request for cross-examination of Dr Sapeco, Mr Chodankar disputed the findings of the forensic examination and seeking cross-examination of the GMC doctor. He told the court that if Cipriano had head injuries why they were not found when the CT scan was performed soon after he was taken to the GMC for treatment.

The suspended police officer also pointed out that as per the GMC records perused by him the doctor from the neurosurgery department had examined the deceased and certified that he had no head injury. He also said that CT scan had revealed that there was evidence of cerebral infarct. He also pointed out the histopathological and viscera reports did not suggest that the injuries leading to death were caused by blunt objects.

Mr Chodankar also pointed out that since no injuries were pointed out during the CT scan and subsequent examination by the neurosurgery doctor, the injuries that the GMC forensic department doctor was referring to could have been caused after the admission of the deceased in the GMC. He also pointed out that since the deceased was not treated in the neurosurgery ward was indicative of the "fact" that he had no head injuries.

He also told the court that the postmortem report indicated seven injuries, of which two were on head, which the forensic department team had stated were simple and not as the ones that could be fatal. Referring to the statement by Dr Sapeco before the JMFC that the death was caused due to fatal head injuries, he questioned as to why this was not recorded in the postmortem report.

The suspended police official also told the court that he on his own had sought a probe by the court and the sub-divisional magistrate to find out truth behind the death, even as he pointed out that the injuries could have been caused elsewhere but not in police custody. He also said the death could have been caused due to cerebro vascular accident and not due to trauma.

He also prayed before the court that records/notes of medical treatment for 18 hours during which time the deceased was treated in the GMC should be called for by the court assessed, which would help ascertain the final and exact cause of death.

DIGAMBAR KAMAT ALL SET TO INAUGRATE AC TOILET WHICH HAS NO PERMISSION OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT

MARGAO: Despite notices issued by the health department to two Sulabh toilets which are in unhygienic condition and operating without any permission from the department of health services, chief minister Digambar Kamat is all set to inaugurate the airconditioned toilet in the Margao municipal garden. Sulabh International has declared February 1, 2011, as the inaugural date.

Sulabh International and the Margao municipality have flouted all rules and regulations regarding the construction of a public toilet.

It was shocking to note that neither the municipality nor Sulabh International has procured any permission from the health department for the newly constructed airconditioned toilet as required under Section 29 of the Goa Health Act.

On observance the newly constructed airconditioned toilet at the Margao municipal garden it is seen that no breather pipe/vent was installed to the cesspool (soak pit tank) so also the cesspool was constructed at a distance of just 10-12 m from the well which supplies water for gardening. When this was brought to the notice of chairman of Sulabh International Sushil Kumar who was personally supervising the finishing work of the airconditioned toilets, he expressed ignorance over the existence of any well. The well is situated at the entrance of the Sulabh Toilet.

Collector Prasanna Acharya who also holds charge as chief officer of the Margao municipality said, "I will not be able to say anything until and unless I look at the file in detail whether any permission has been obtained."

Section 28 of the Goa Health Act prohibits construction of a cesspool (soak pit) within 300 feet of any tank, reservoir, watercourse or well.

"Our role is to construct, operate and maintain the public toilet. We are not concerned about any permission. It is the municipality who has to procure the necessary permissions," said Kumar.

Information revealed by health officer of the urban health centre Geeta Kakodker tells a different story. "The health department has not issued any certificate or NOC to construct and operate a public toilet. Although many public toilets are constructed neither the Margao municipality nor Sulabh International have applied for any permission," Kakodker said.

"We have never applied for any permission till date for any of the public toilets constructed," said municipal engineer Surendra D Gaonkar, who handles the technical side of the toilet construction. When attention was drawn to Section 29 of the Goa Public Health Act it was found that the municipal engineer was ignorant of the Act which says "[29. (1) 12{No person, including Government Department, semi-government organization, government company and statutory or non-statutory Corporation} shall construct any building, house, cesspool and any other structure unless prior permission to that effect is obtained from the Health Officer or the Medical Officer in charge of the respective Health Centre, at the time of starting such construction and also at the time of actually occupying such constructed premises."

It may be recalled that acting on a complaint lodged by the headmistress of the Fatima Convent High School with regards to foul smell originating from the Sulabh toilet in the vicinity; the urban health centre, Margao, and the Margao municipal council (MMC) had conducted a site inspection which revealed serious violations by the management of the Sulabh toilet regarding discharge of sewage.

Replying to the query of sewage flowing through the storm water drains Acharya said, "The soak pits are small and the water table is high. Usage is more, and the soak pits need to be emptied often. We have already issued notices to six establishments including Sulabh International. We are planning to construct one more toilet at the pick-up stand and we have requested the new market vendors to identify a place in the market where one more toilet can be constructed." (TNN)

TENSION RUN HIGH AT MONTE DONGOR AGAIN

MARGAO: Tension prevailed at Monte Dongor late Sunday night after rival groups once again clashed, this time at Arlem. One person sustained injuries during the scuffle.  Sources informed that clashes broke out between two rival groups at Arlem late Sunday evening over some issue that led to the violence, leaving one Amin Bhavar, injured.

He was rushed to Hospicio Hospital, Margao, where he is undergoing treatment. Police sources informed that Bhavar was badly beaten with a hockey stick by Maqbool Shirsi and six others, and he suffered injuries on various parts of his body. Maina Curtorim police have booked a case on charges of rioting and other offences against seven accused including Shirsi.

The other six accused are—Muktar Shaikh, Margan Shirsi, Maqbool Riyaz, Hazrat Ali, Navshad Shirsi and Hasan Kaji Mulla. Press persons were, however, denied entry into the hospital. It may be noted that the Monte Dongor group clashes have their roots in civic poll-related rivalry. The latest incident is the fourth such after the municipal elections and comes barely a month after the last such incident that had left at least six persons injured. Significantly, Bhawar who was injured in Sunday's attack was one of the seven accused arrested in the Monte Dongor assault case of December 28, 2010. Basheer Shaikh had later surrendered to Margao police.

Incidentally the latest assault comes just a day after Basheer and four others were released on bail by the additional sessions court. (TNN)

GOA IS ON FIRE. BUT CM IS MR COOL by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

Despite all the political turmoil and with so many unresolved issues confronting Goa, Digambar Kamat has been able to hang on as Chief Minister. His government is known only for its assurances and keeping decisions in abeyance.

The Chief Minister must have himself lost track of the number of committees he has appointed to examine various issues. He may be indecisive but Digambar Kamat never loses his calm. He always remains as cool as an ice cream. Even when confronted, he does not retaliate. Unlike his Health Minister, he has neither threatened nor abused me. On the contrary he has been reminding me that we should sometime have dinner together. But I have just not had the appetite.

Running a coalition government with ever so many greedy Ministers and MLAs can be a strenuous and nerve-wracking task. In the bargain Goa and Goans have lost but to his credit Digambar Kamat has not lost any hair, weight and more importantly, his chair. So what is the key Mr. Chief Minister? Are cucumbers helping you maintain your composure while the divine intervention protects your chair?

TWO HEAD CONSTABLES SUSPENDED TRYING TO FULLFILL THEIR OFFICERS’ GREED – by Shyam Sawant, Ponda

30 JAN 2011: Two Head Constables (Havaldars) attached to the crime branch were suspended for their links with the prostitution mafia on 29th January 2011 i.e. one day back. The suspended officers, Pandu Gawas and Ulhas Malnekar. The suspending officer, Mangaldas the Superintendent of Police who might be considering himself to be the only non corrupt officer of Goa Police Force.

The accusation: They were striking deal with those running prostitution. Of course this is an old tradition of the police department of Goa after Liberation.

Why does not Mangaldas Desai, say that these deals are struck at the instructions of higher officers like himself? The lower ranks are only made scapegoats in the deal. It is like HEADS I WIN, TAILS YOU LOSE. From the time Mangaldas was a PSI he has been doing this job or rather getting it done through his juniors. When he was at Bicholim Sub-Division, as an SDPO (Sub-Divisional Police Officer) he used to receive sitting down the collection from Prostitutes, Check Posts especially at Querim Satari.

The poor constables on duty at Querim out post have to stop all the trucks that cross the border and collect money from them. A DySP gets his share directly. Likewise Mangaldas was receiving his amount at the end of the month from the whole Sub Division. If by chance the collection comes less than the previous one then there would questioning of the Constables and Head Constables as to why that is less.

Likewise these two head constables were obiviously striking a deal at the order of a higher ranked and area linked officer like Mangaldas Desai. Something must have gone wrong or reached the ears of the public or news must have leaked and so he has quickly suspended the two Havaldars, thus saving his skin and the skin of a similar level officer responsible for deputing the two havaldars for collection deal.

I remember one incident that happened in front of my eyes. I was proceeding to Panjim on my bike from Sanquelim. I took the Amona bridge road, as it is closer to Panjim via Marcel-Banastrim-Old Goa. When I reached CHIREA KHONN about 4 to 5 Kms from Sanquelim. I saw two constables in uniform one of whom was very well known to me, standing on the road and were stopping the mine ore carrying trucks. I stopped my bike and helloed them and for a while chatted with them. On my asking they told me that they were there to turn away the trucks as per the orders of the SDPO Bicholim Shamba Sawant for carrying excess load.

I saw some of the truckers were reluctant and refused to obey them. Just as I was about to leave the place, a police Jeep carrying Shamba Sawant came to the spot. I was duly introduced to him and after some helloes and good words, my friend told Shamba Sawant that the truckers were refusing to obey and the owners came up to them and told them that they would talk to their Saib (referring Shamba Sawant). To this Shamba Sawant told the constables not to care and tell them to go to hell and that the check would continue on daily basis (here he even used a few badwords) and then after re-instructing the constables to carry on their duty thoroughly and saying a bye to me went off to Bicholim.

The next day as I came along the same road, to go to Panjim for my usual work, I found that the cops vanished and the checking stopped and the trucks were plying as usual overloaded. After two days I had some work at Bicholim and curiously went to see my friend and casually asked him what happened about the checking at Chirea Khonn. My friend told me that the truck owners association came and gave the required “HAFTO” to the DySP Shamba Sawant and so the checking was stopped.

Luckily my friend did not get suspended but these two poor havaldars who were actually the pawns got suspended for obeying the personal laws of their officers like Shamba Sawant or Mangaldas Desai or any other concerned officer. A disgusting tale to tell. But that is GOA POLICE!

FIGHT FOR TRUE DEMOCRACY…….!!! by Alex D’Souza, San Francisco

There has been a number of very interesting developments happening recently, in the Arab world. It all started in Tunisia and thus has spread to Egypt and Yemen. People there are fed up of thier so called “democratic Governments " that have had, more or less, the same faces all through these years. The only people that have prospered during this period are the corrupt people that have been in power, continuously, and their family members and those that stand close to them.

I think it is time that we too in Goa (the people in Goa and those that have a credible connection to Goa) protest, in a similar manner but peacefully, against the present members of the administration in Goa. Many politicians in Goa have been in power for too long and have thus established a sort of a “fool proof system " to get themselves elected again and again. Most of these politicians are slowly but surely also grooming thier family members and the people that have been close to them to enter politics, thus ensuring that the corrupt system that they have developed all along stays alive. Some of them have already brought in thier relatives and people that are close to them within the Government and other lucrative Government postings.

To the best of my knowledge, there exists no proper democracy in Goa. The people of Goa are paying the price. There is no proper law and order situation in Goa. The police that are supposed to protect Goans and their properties are themselves busy operating illegal activities. The law does not seem to apply to the people that are the members of the Government and to the Government employees. Many of the so called elected representatives to the Assembly ( MLA's ) as well the employees of various Government departments are involved in various corrupt and illegal activities and have thus accumulated enormous wealth that is beyond thier means.

The MLA's in Goa are enjoying various benefits, perks, allowances plus salaries that far exceed their counterparts in the developed Western countries. How can they allow themselves such a extravagant lifestyle when they have not done anything credible for the development and progress of Goa till the present day? The minimum wages for Goans ( I think ) is set at rupees 150 a day by the Government. How can the Goans survive on such low wages? The prices in Goa have reached such a level, that most of the Goans cannot even afford basic essential things like food, clothing and housing. The only people that can afford to buy a house in Goa is the wealthy people from outside Goa that wish to buy a holiday home in Goa ( or probably wish to utilise their ill gained fortune in Goa ) and those that have worked overseas.

The minimum wages in Goa should be at least 600 rupees a day considering the present prevailing prices of essential goods and commodities in Goa. Every Goan should be able to feed himself / herself and its family, pay for public transport to and from work / school, maintain a housing loan, pay for basic entertainment like cable TV connection and pay for unforeseen expenses like doctor / dentist etc with the basic salary earned. The Government has made a big joke of all Goans by capping the minimum wages of ordinary Goans at rupees 150 a day while the members of the Government ( MLA's ) themselves are busy enjoying a lavish lifestyle.

It is wrong to state that Goans do not like to take up jobs in Goa and that they only prefer to travel overseas to find work. The real fact remains that Goans refuse to work like slaves and be exploited for a miserable salary of 150 rupees a day while the MLA's live a lavish lifestyle. The Government has failed miserably to educate Goans in trades like brick laying, tile / floor fitting, electricians, plumbers, etc etc. If the Government had been efficient and sincere enough to pick up all the school drop-outs and encourage them to take up various trades ( at local educational centers ) then we would not have had the need to depend on outsiders to take up such jobs in Goa. All the Governments that have been in power in Goa have encouraged non Goan people to set up hotels, industries, businesses in Goa in the name of creating employment opportunities to Goans and most of the jobs in such establishments, run by non Goans, have systematically been given to non Goans.

All the Governments that have functioned in Goa till present date and the one that still operates, have systematically sold off our beloved Goa, its land, business opportunities, employment opportunities, its natural resources, etc etc etc to non Goans that have " paid the required price " . All this has to change and all the non-Goans, non Goan industires, businesses, employees that have set up / establised in Goa illegally have to GO. Goa is a a very very small place and if the Goa Government itself is very busy creating employment / business opportunities for non Goans then what will the people of Goa do ?

The Government of Goa must not excuse itself by stating that all Indians can live and work everywhere within India. This is absolutely NONSENSE. However, while its true that all Indians can live and work anywhere in India, the constitution of India, clearly does not encourage people to live and work and establish themselves illegally in other states within India. How could the Government of Goa, through all these years, allow mass migration of non Goans into Goa to illegally grab our land, jobs, business opportunities, employment opportunities, resources........etc etc etc ....at the cost of original Goans...???

Everyone of us has the moral responsibility to act when we see things going wrong. So far we Goans have been extremely patient and tolerant, but there is a limit to everything. The time has come to get out on the streets and protest against the worng through peacefull mass protests and public gatherings, and throw out the corrupt people that have looted and ruined Goa and bring such people to justice. Enough is enough.

Amchea Goeamkara moddem soddanch ekvot anik mog assum – Tumcho mogall – Alex.

VALPOI WEEKLY MARKET FULL OF CHAOS AUTHORITY PAY NO HEEDS by Abdulla Khan

VALPOI: The Tuesday weekly market day or simply “Munglaracho Bazaar” at Valpoi is a hub of purchase and sells in Satari Taluka. The centrally located market has always been the market for village produce and flourishes with “gaunti Vegetables”or locally grown vegetables and fruits. Now, it has become the outlet of product from all over Goa.

Vendors with their products on the road connecting

Massordem which becomes inaccessible even for emergency

Vendors from all over state display their products at Tuesday market and people from both near and far villages visits Valpoi for their purchases as well for selling item for consumption.

In the past, when transport was not as freely available as it is today, people walked that time to take their goods to Valpoi market. But, scenario has changed and buses ply every half an hour in all corners of Satari and consumers clicked at weekly market to purchase the things.

However, due to facility of transport today and people in large numbers having their own vehicles, and the proliferation of shops, the market day has lost its past significance.

Buses halt longer at Valpoi and on Tuesdays cause
worst congestion (market day) - pic Abdulla Khan

Since Valpoi town is inadequate with bus stand facility there is chaos during peak hours on Tuesday. Market flourished at Massordem road which blocked the traffic and pedestrian movement on the bazaar day. Even the space has been occupied by the vendors where people are to park their two-wheeler. Sometimes the cloth vendors parked their vehicle on the road towards Fatima convent which was already used by the high profile people for parking their buses and private vehicle. Buses take a long halt creating traffic congestion. The rickshaw stand is an additional hindrance for smooth flow of traffic.



Speaking to the Police Inspector, Mr Shivram Vainganker it is learnt that the municipal authority has not allotted space for two-wheeler and four wheeler parking. He said, “To control this critical situation almost five constables are deployed and we are running short of police personal”. He further told that even after that it is difficult to manage and control the circumstances. He further pointed that church ground is best place to accommodate and said “VMC must asked permission from the church authority whereby the traffic for only weekly market day can be diverted on the ground. Unavailability of parking zones and no parking zones makes condition worse for the traffic police.

Meanwhile, vice-Chairperson Ms Fahmida Khan affirmed that traffic congestion is the main problem and the council member has taken the issue on priority basis. She said, “We will speak to the church authority and sort out the problem.

Open fish market with no basic amenities like water tap and dustbins greets the people on bazaar day. Fish is a major item of purchase and the focus of a lot of discussion. Fisherwoman prefers to occupy road for selling their fish and left out waste is kept lying on the road at the end of the day and never thought about smell and flies rooming round the nose. When asked to fish vendors to occupy the old market buildings constructed for the purpose, they blissfully said, “who will wash it after the day over and there is no water supply and drainage for the waste water”. Old fish marhket building is mostly occupied by dried fish vendors who come in the town on Tuesday.

Absence of Vegetable Market makes them sell their products
outside the old market complex - PIC Abdulla Khan

Valpoi municipal has boasted of reconstructing the market complex but still there is no ray hope. The lane opposite Pokle house has been taken over by fruit sellers who shout at the top of their voice. The lane near Dr. Dalal dispensary blocked by the cloth shops and at the entrance near the junction electronic items and colorful bed sheets welcomed the people for Tuesday market. Further near the fish market elderly women’s display seeds of local plant and vegetable.

The Vegetable section of the market which was constructed behind Goa State Bank left abandoned. Today the market is congested. Inside the Vegetable market and beyond, there is chaos. Again, the indiscriminate setting up of stalls has congested the once wide lane which is recently hot mixed. VMC, Chairperson, Umesh Gulelkar told this daily that on his visit after being elected found that most of vendors are occupying more space thus giving an impression of chaotic mess. He informed that around 120 vendors are listed out and for each vendor we will allot just 2mx2m of space to put up their stalls. He said, “vendors are occupying the Massordem road thus creating blocked to the traffic we will make them to occupy the space over the concrete slabs put on the drainage which will solve the problem”. He further said that due to deficient concrete slabs the drainage could not be covered and soon after the covering the drainage it will be implemented. This will suppose to alleviate both the buyers and sellers woes.

Unfortunately, due to structural problems inherent in the building, and the increase in both the sellers and buyers of the situation is now worse. Due to increase in population, expansion was inevitable. But rather than being of help, it has increased the problems. It’s a challenge to Valpoi municipal council and the M.L.A to sought these essential problem faced by the Valpoikars.

CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF 30TH BATCH OF FOREST GUARD TRAINEES AT VALPOI

VALPOI: Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr Yogesh has called upon the forest officials to discharge their duties with great honesty and integrity and added that any achievement without these is worthless.  Mr Yogesh was addressing a convocation ceremony of 30th batch of forest guard trainees at Forest Training School, Valpoi today.

Contingent of 29 forest guard had passed out the 6 month training which started on 2nd August 2010. Other who attended the function were Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Dr Shashi Kumar, Conservator of Forest, Mr Vanlasiama Khawlhring, Ex-officio Director of FTS, Mr FX Araujo, Principal of Forest Training School, Mr Vikas Desai and other top official from forest department.

Recruits receiving certificats from Addl Principal - Pic

Abdulla Khan

Meanwhile expressing his unhappiness over the conduct of trainees, he said I learnt that some trainees were requesting for deputation at the places where they are more comfortable in working. He warned them that such conduct will not be tolerated and the recruits have to work wherever they are deputed. He also urged them to follow the teachings avail during training to be successful in their work.

Dr Shashi Kumar in his motivational speech said that forest guard are at lower level of forest department hierarchy but if they work with sincerely and dedication than they will raise themselves in the eye of public. He further told that to plant and protect tree, defend ecosystem and safeguard environment is work of saint or rushis and forest guard are akin in terms of their duties. He lauded the efforts of faculties who had given training to these forest guards and maintain that rich experience of senior officer must be tapped and urged the training school to arrange a session for trainees in future wherein senior officials can share their valuable experiences with them. Wishing good luck to the recruits he appealed to them to accept the responsibilities as a mission to safeguard forest.

Earlier, Dr Shashi Kumar took the guard of honour from the recruits. All meritorious recruits were also felicitated at the hands of guest.

Mr Vikas Desai read the report. Mr Pranay Naik compered the function, while Mr Mohanlal Padte proposed the vote of thanks.

RAVI NAIK’S RESIGNATION DEMANDED BY BJP

PANJIM: Stating that the Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik has turned senile and making irresponsible and irrelevant statements to hide his failure in maintaining law and order situation in the state, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday demanded immediate resignation of the Home Minister for his ‘baseless allegations’ that one Roy Fernandes was in the drug business, during the BJP regime in the state, with the blessings of the then chief minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar and his MLAs.

The spokesperson of the state BJP unit, Mr Rajendra Arlekar told a press conference in the city that if the Home Minister, as per his claims, has evidence in the matter, he should not have approached the media but ordered immediate action against Mr Parrikar, and arrested him at the earliest.

“With evidence against Mr Parrikar in hand, the Home Minister should know that there is no point in taking press conferences,” he observed, pointing out that Mr Naik is almost acting like a leader of the opposition, forgetting that he has entire police machinery at his disposal.

Maintaining that all the allegations made by the Home Minister against the leader the opposition are vague, the state BJP spokesperson said the BJP has serious doubts about the capacity and capability of Mr Naik in handling the law and order situation in the state. “In fact, the BJP has been demanding right from the beginning that the government should come clean on the drug trade issue,” he reminded, quipping that the police should take action against any Roy, against whom they have collected evidence.

Mr Arlekar also said the opposition party would bring up the drug trade issue in the House, during the winter session of the Goa assembly, which starts on January 31. “As regards the statement made by the Home Minister about handing over the alleged drug peddler-police nexus case to the Central Bureau of Investigations, he along with the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, is fooling the public,” he stated, lamenting that the name of the Chief Secretary, Mr S K Srivastava is also being dragged in the matter.

Countering the allegation of the Home Minister that a person with surname Vaigankar and based in Arambol, who was involved in drug cases, receives protection from the BJP, Mr Arlekar said that no Vaigankar from Arambol is a member of the BJP. “The fact that the Home Minister has no idea about the first name of this Vaigankar, speaks volumes about the investigating capability of the state police,” he retorted.

The BJP took strong objection to the recent statement made by the two Congress MPs, Mr Francisco Sardinha and Mr Shantaram Naik as regards Goans having long suffered for not questioning the Indian Navy over its occupation of the Dabolim airport.

Reacting to the statement, Mr Arlekar said that Indian armed forces, including the Indian Navy, are the protectors of our nation, and the BJP has highest regard for them. “It is a shame that our two MPs are stooping to such a level and condemning the Indian Navy for something like acquisition of two islands off the coast of Mormugao,” he observed, pointing out that security of India has become paramount after the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai, and every Indian, ever political party should support the Indian armed forces in their endeavour to protect the country.

The naval authorities are proposing to acquire Bimbvel beach and two St George Islands off the Mormugao coast by invoking the urgency clause under Section 17 of the Land Acquisition Act 1984.

The state BJP spokesperson further criticised the two Congress MPs for giving religious and political colour to the entire issue of proposed land acquisition by the Indian Navy. “The observation made by the two parliamentarians that the act by the Indian Navy is anti-Christian, is highly deprecating,” he concluded.

BJP CLAIMS THAT DRUG MENACE DID NOT EXIST DURING THEIR RULE IN GOA

PANJIM: Daring the Congress-led government to prove involvement of their leaders in drug trade, BJP on Sunday conceded that the menace did exist during their five-year rule in Goa but it was never supported by the police.  "We never said that the drugs menace was not there during our tenure. We never denied that there were no drugs in Goa," BJP Goa unit spokesman Rajendra Arlekar told reporters today.

He said stern action was taken against the culprits unlike the current Home Ministry which has shut its eyes towards the drugs issue.  The party spokesman was reacting to the statement by Home Minister Ravi Naik yesterday alleging that the then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar supported drug peddlers duing the BJP rule.

BJP ruled Goa from October 24, 2000 to February 02, 2005 before being toppled by few legislators on the floor of the House. "If they have any evidence against Parrikar than why don't they arrest him," he asked.   Arlekar said the Home Minister was making irresponsible media statements after being caught in the muck in the drugs nexus case.

"He is not competent to be the Home Minister. We reiterate our demand that he should step down," the BJP leader said, adding, the Goa government should come clean on the drugs issue.  "They should also clarify about Home Minister and his son, Roy Naik's involvement in the nexus," Arlekar said.

Naik has run into controversy after Swedish model Lucky Farmhouse, former girlfriend of Israeli drug lord Yaniv Benaim alias Atala, stated that his son, Roy Naik, was frequenting to their place.  The Home Minister yesterday had flatly refused his son's involvement in the drug trade saying that there was a person named Roy Fernandes, involved in drug trade, who was being mistaken for his son. – PTI

GOA POLICE BILL 2008 HAS DEFECTS AND ALSO UNDERMINES CIVIL LIBERTIES

PANJIM: The Goa Police Bill 2008, in its present form, has several defects as it undermines civil liberties and gives additional powers to the police without ensuring the required accountability. That is why any move to pass the bill without public consultations, needs to be resisted and opposed by the people, civil society and media at large.

This was the consensus of a seminar on the Goa Police Bill 2008 held on Saturday by the Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association and the Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP).

Addressing a press conference, CSJP executive secretary Fr Maverick Fernandes said there was a need for wider consultation on the bill as it would deeply impact the lives of the residents of Goa who have not been consulted and have no voice with the select committee that is scrutinizing the bill.

A joint press release said, "No public meetings have been held by the committee, unlike Kerala, which instituted a broad-based public consultations. The legislative process has to be more transparent. The bill should have gone through a participatory and collective process, with full participation of the community and civil society organizations as policing is a matter that influences each and every person living in the state."

The organizations highlighted several defects in the bill. First of all, they said the bill had no check on political interference. Stating that the bill suffers from a weak state security commission (SSC), the organizations said that the constitution of the commission was strongly in favour of the government which would make it impossible for the commission to act as a buffer body between the police and politicians and ensure functional autonomy for the police. In the form advocated by the bill, the SSC is likely to perpetuate political interference in police work, the organizations said.

Secondly, as against the Supreme Court directive, there is no security of tenure for officers who can be removed for "administrative exigencies" which is an euphemism for politically motivated transfers. No security of tenure will hamper effective and impartial functioning. The bill's silence on selection and removal criteria for the DGP raises doubts as it creates an obstruction to his/her functioning independently.

Thirdly, the organizations pointed out that the special security zones are a license to violate civil liberties and fundamental rights of groups voicing dissent. The law can easily be made applicable in villages protesting against mining, SEZs and other issues to curb their protests.

Fr Fernandes also pointed out that the "special police forces" implemented in Punjab and Chandigarh has had serious problems with civil liberties. "Why have a provision that had already proven to be harmful in other states?" Fr Fernandes asked, adding that the bill is also prejudiced towards and can be used to harass innocent persons of minority community and weaker sections of society.

Fr Fernandes said, "While the bill is coming in response to directives of the Supreme Court to usher reforms, lack of transparency over the working of the select committee could end up having the opposite effect. The Bill must not be rushed through or passed before considering people's opinions." (TNN)

RAVI SAYS OPPOSITION TRYING TO GAIN PUBLICITY FROM DRUGS CASE

PANJIM: The Home Minister, Ravi Naik on Saturday accused the opposition party leaders and some other persons influenced by the opposition of trying to gain publicity on the drugs issue by making statements without substantiating their charges with proof. It really baffles me how this bafoon could make statements to this level, when the reality is that he himself and his son Roy have been implicated in the drug nexus. 

His statement that the drug business has been going on in the state for years and that the records revealed that drug peddlers were freely carrying out the business in the coastal belts needs to be further investigated as the fact that he made this statement clearly implies that he was aware of this and for sure a part of this to . So why did Ravi Naik at this stage not raise the red flag ? Why was he silent? Did he have a share in this or did he not? Well the Citizens will be able to answer this more precisely. Ravi Naik's statement to the media that that he has enough proof to show that one Roy Fernandes is involved in drugs should be enough grounds for the CBI to interogate him and find out how and from where he got this evidence.Did he do a sting operation as well? Its a shame that Ravi Naik thinks all people are fools just the way he is, but unfortunately so much of evidence has been put out from the several arrest and sting operations that have exposed the high handedness that in his own interest Ravi Naik should quit and leave the chair he so dearly holds before its too late.

The rescent cases of top police being exposed & suspended in the drug nexus is enough grounds to beleive that they have a higher up boss and who time and again has been quoted in the media as a powerful politician .Again the sting operation in which Gudlar has been caught and exposed to the world media should be enough reasons for the world to know who is involved in drugs and who is not. Yet the police have still not initiated an arrest warrant against him or any officer mentioned . Under whose blessings is Gudlar not arrested ? Does that come under the perview of the home ministry? Is Ravi Naik in charge of the Home Ministry ?If Ravi Naik was not involved he would have clearly issued orders for the arrest of Gudlar, he would have ordered an immidiate CBI enquiry int the entire drug nexus. To make matters worse even the file which was forwarded for approval for CBI hand over to investigate the Drug Nexus still has not been approved by the ministry.Does Ravi Naik have a answer as to why?

Of late the world has seen unrest and revolts due to the arrogant/reckless attitude of the regimes in power. We have seen it start in Coservative Muslim dominated Nations. The power of the people has proved that no force can stop them. What a shame that the president of Tunisia had to run away from his very country and now be served with an international arrest warrant, what a shame that the Egyptian president had to fire his entire cabinet and appoint new ones to stand by his side under pressure from his very own citizens, Is this what our Govt is waiting for ?

RAVI NAIK LYING AND DENYING THE FACTS TO SAVE HIS SON

PANJIM: Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik on Saturday said his son's name has been unnecessarily dragged into drug trade and he is a victim of mistaken identity. There cannot be any mistaken identity unless there is an identical twin brother of Roy Naik, said one Rudresh of Ponda. He further said that Ravi Naik is lying to save his son and himself from embarrassment.

He said his son Roy Naik has been misunderstood with one Roy Fernandes, who is into drug trade. "I have enough evidence to show that one Roy Fernandes was in drug business with the blessings of then (BJP) Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and his MLAs," Naik told reporters here.

But according to some people who claim they have actually seen Roy Naik in person doing the dirty job of selling drugs. So how can Ravi Naik deny the fact? Some people say that the name of a person can be same but his face, built and features cannot be same unless Roy Naik has an identical twin brother who sells drugs and is involved in drug trade in collaboration with Goa police elements

He said his son's name has been unnecessarily dragged into controversy by political elements that are unhappy with the state police's crackdown on narcotics dealers.

Naik claimed several BJP leaders were getting protection money from drug dealers, but this practice stopped ever since he took over the reins of Home Ministry. Some Goans also say that Ravi Naik has full support in all the wrong doings of the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

Roy Naik's name came into focus after Swedish model Lucky Farmhouse, former girlfriend of Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Atala, last year alleged that he frequented their residence in Anjuna near here.

"Some politicians and persons influenced by the Opposition parties tried to gain publicity on the drug issue," Naik said, adding he had referred the case to CBI in November.

To a query, he said Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava delayed the handing over of the drug-police nexus probe to CBI which is a total denial and a lie from Ravi Naik. "I had cleared the file in November. You can ask Chief Secretary why he delayed handing over of the probe to CBI."

It has to be noted that in the assembly there was furore about this case to be handed over to the CBI and Ravi Naik had flatly refused saying that the Goa police were investigating the case professionally. Manohar Parrikar the leader of the opposition had raised the issue in the assembly and demanded the case be handed over to the CBI. Now why is Ravi Naik denying and lying about it?

The nexus was exposed through two sting operations in the last one year. In the first, Atala was shown bragging about his alleged links with the police. Seven policemen were arrested after the video went public.

A month back, two foreign girls had exposed Police Sub -Inspector Sunil Guddler allegedly pushing drugs.

VISHWAJEET RANE OUT TO DESTROY PRISTINE VILLAGES OF SATARI

VALPOI: Mr. Vishwajeet Rane, the MLA of Valpoi and the current Health Ministers is all out to destroy Satari’s inner pristine villages. Mr Rane has somehow managed to lure the mining lobby to illegally start the mining into the unspoiled villages of Satari. It is also rumoured that the mining lobby owe its allegiance to Mr. Vishwajeet Rane.

On one side the Rane Jr. has undertaken development work of Satari and on the other hand he is involved in illegal mining and is promoting it for a price according to the villagers in Satari.

There was a wholehearted plan to start mining (illegal) into the Davem Village about 10 Kms off Valpoi City. The Davem people firmly stood their ground and refused to let the trucks even enter the village. They too pointed out the finger at Mr. Rane.

His staunch supporting village of Massordem to are aghast and have been dismayed with their MLA venturing into illegal mining and causing the destruction of the villages. Vishwajeet has planned well to systematically destroy the environment of Satari Villages which till date is clean and tidy and surpluses in beauty and abundant in natural resources said some of the villagers

The people of Paikul have also turned their backs now on the MLA as he has taken a systematic advantage of their benevolence. Said Shankar (not real name) “We are blessed with natural resources and now “BABA” (per name for Vishwajeet) who should have been protecting it is busy selling of and allowing illegal mining”.

The villagers are now slowly changing their stance of behavior towards their MLA. One Massordem local on grounds of anonymity told our Correspondent that if this continues we will not be able to live in our villages and will start falling sick. Whereas one or two persons will become reach at the cost of our health. He also said that now he doubts the real intentions of Vishwajeet Rane.

Recently the alert people of Paikul village thwarted an attempt to start mining in their village. The villagers have to say that once this goes through there will be no stopping these looters of our natural resources. Rama (not real name) a villager said “We will lose our fields, where we grow rice etc and will instead be eating the dust of the mines. The minerals in the soil give us rich harvest and as such let the resources be as they are intact”

LESSONS FROM AND AFTER CIPRIANO by Rupert Coutinho, Dubai (UAE)

We keep blaming politicians for the mess around us in our everyday life. I hear many saying there is no future in Goa and we are all doomed. Today we are sulking over what has happened to Cipriano and also there are many who are also sympathizing with this family who has lost this beloved one in a tragic case of alleged police brutality.

Most of them are only talking in thin air and so today the present generation of native Goans are bearing this burnt of mistakes made by a majority of ignorant and literate Goans who have been part and parcel of the game to destroy Goans and its future generations and identities, either directly or indirectly, by electing the corrupt and supporting this corruption with their faithful acts and deceiving deeds. Hence we are witnessing alarming cases of drug-politicians-police nexus, rapes, murders, increase in migrants, thefts, accidents, unnatural deaths, harassments, unemployment, rise of criminals and major land grabbing scams. This is the very reason why today every Goan has blood on their hands for the harassment or death of the innocent Goans be it the case of Cipriano, or a traffic related accidents, or any fabricated post mortem reports and cases of medical negligence.

We have a distinguished hallmark of being ‘’susegad’’ and highly dumb educated class for decades when it comes to defending our rights, we haven’t done enough to stem the rot, we have only spoken too little but failed to match our words with our actions and have only waited for others to take the lead in our fight against illegalities instead of being the torch bearers of change in every little way that we can contribute. We are more cowards and scared to face and fight for rights, we have been highly literate professionals and wisest of all fools who have been fooled by our own politicians for a pittance of favors, we have been taken for a jolly good ride and most of all we lack the courage of conviction and privilege to live in dignity and respect.

Comparing this with prostitution, even a prostitute has dignity and commands respected from their clients. They have gone in this profession not by choice but due to their poverty and further compulsion and obligation to provide a decent living to their dependents and little ones. Their very act of their caring attitude for their loved ones at the cost of their reputation is certainly more humane and dignified in nature because they take the responsibility to value the life of their loved ones and provide for them. Therefore weighing our silence and contribution to the chaos of present times against a scale with a prostitute (who due to explained reason, I would say has respect) on the other side of the scale, then where do we stand in dignity and ethics when it comes to valuing life and doing away with corruption and preserving our identity for our future generations to come? So what is the respect we command when we have blood on our hands? If we truly have a conscience then are we not responsible in some way or the other for these deaths and crimes against humanity? Have we not been part of terrorising and intimidating our innocent native Goan people at the hands of the corrupt politicians whom we have elected years after years, after years, after years and so on? Have we not been a part to the poverty and unemployment of our Goan brethren since we allowed our favored political class to create a migrant vote bank and gave them jobs and privileges in terms of free water and electricity at the cost of the taxpayers? Have we not deprived our innocent toddlers and kids of pure milk and clean water which are diverted to other sources through scams in PWDs and aided by water tankers?

I am certain and I have no doubt that our very own silence and failure to reason out and act in good faith (during elections) and ethics (in dealing with government servants, mamlatdars, talatis, PWD, TPD, Municipalities and panchayats) is going to destroy our future Goa of tomorrow. Our Ego and pride has superseded the bright side of our life and instead of fighting a combined battle for Goa, we are putting up a disunited front because of our selfish motives of occupying important status and posts in the various groups.

Had we drawn some serious lessons and learnt from the sacrifices from the rights of African Americans, the abolishment of Apartheid regime in South Africa by great activists like Nelson Mandela, the ejection of Taliban monsters from Afghanistan and the self immolation sacrifice of an unemployed youth which resulted in the doing away of the aggressive and draconian leadership in Tunisia, would we ever say again - ‘’Tem Kiem Zaovpachem Nam’’. However, I am proud and not only salute but also commend my few conscious native Goans who are acting in good faith to save Goa and will hand over the legacy of this rich Goan identity which we have inherited from the past to our future generations to come.

INDIAS BLACK MONEY GOAN POLITICIANS INVOLVED FOR SURE by N. Fernandes, London

Article courtesy:WIKI ANSWERS.COM

Swiss bank revealed India has more money than rest of the world  This is so shocking.. ..If black money deposits was an Olympics event..  India would have won a gold medal hands down. The second best Russia has 4 times lesser deposit. U.S. is not even there in the counting in top five! India has more money in Swiss banks than all the other countries combined!

Recently, due to international pressure, the Swiss government agreed to disclose the names of the account holders only if the respective governments formally asked for it.. Indian government is not asking for the details... ..no marks for guessing why?

We need to start a movement to pressurize the government to do so! This is perhaps the only way, and a golden opportunity, to expose the high and mighty and weed out corruption! Please read on..and forward to all the honest Indians to.. like somebody is forwarding to you... and build a ground-swell of support!for action !

Is India poor, who says? Ask the Swiss banks. With personal account deposit bank of $1,500 billion in foreign reserve which have been misappropriated, an amount 13 times larger than the country's foreign debt, one needs to rethink if India is a poor country?

DISHONEST INDUSTRIALISTS, scandalous politicians and corrupt IAS, IRS, IPS officers have deposited in foreign banks in their illegal personal accounts a sum of about $1500 billion, which have been misappropriated by them. This amount is about 13 times larger than the country's foreign debt. With this amount 45 crore poor people can get Rs 1,00,000 each.

This huge amount has been appropriated from the people of India by exploiting and betraying them. Once this huge amount of black money and property comes back to India , the entire foreign debt can be repaid in 24 hours. After paying the entire foreign debt, we will have surplus amount, almost 12 times larger than the foreign debt. If this surplus amount is invested in earning interest, the amount of interest will be more than the annual budget of the Central government. So even if all the taxes are abolished, then also the Central government will be able to maintain the country very comfortably. Some 80,000 people travel to Switzerland every year, of whom 25,000 travel very frequently. 'Obviously, these people won't be tourists.

They must be travelling there for some other reason,' believes an official involved in tracking illegal money.. And, clearly, he isn't referring to the commerce ministry bureaucrats who've been flitting in and out of Geneva ever since the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations went into a tailspin!

Just read the following details and note how these dishonest industrialists, scandalous politicians, corrupt officers, cricketers, film actors, illegal trade and protected wildlife operators, to name just a few, sucked this country's wealth and prosperity.

This may be the picture of deposits in Swiss banks only. What about other international banks ?

Black money in Swiss banks - Swiss Banking Association report, 2006 details bank deposits in the territory of Switzerland by nationals of following countries :

TOP FIVE

INDIA $1,456 BILLION

RUSSIA $470 BILLION

U.K. $390 BILLION

UKRAINE $100 BILLION

CHINA $96 BILLION

Now do the math's - India with $1,456 billion or $1.4 trillion has more money in Swiss banks than rest of the world combined. Public loot since 1947:

Can we bring back our money ? It is one of the biggest loots witnessed by mankind - the loot of the Aam Aadmi (common man) since 1947, by his brethren occupying public office. It has been orchestrated by politicians, bureaucrats and some businessmen.

The list is almost all-encompassing. No wonder, everyone in India loots with impunity and without any fear. What is even more depressing in that this ill-gotten wealth of ours has been stashed away abroad into secret bank accounts located in some of the world's best known tax havens. And to that extent the Indian economy has been stripped of its wealth. Ordinary Indians may not be exactly aware of how such secret accounts operate and what are the rules and regulations that go on to govern such tax havens. However, one may well be aware of 'Swiss bank accounts,' the shorthand for murky dealings, secrecy and of course pilferage from developing countries into rich developed ones.

In fact, some finance experts and economists believe tax havens to be a conspiracy of the western world against the poor countries. By allowing the proliferation of tax havens in the twentieth century, the western world explicitly encourages the movement of scarce capital from the developing countries to the rich. In March 2005, the Tax Justice Network (TJN) published a research finding demonstrating that $11.5 trillion of personal wealth was held offshore by rich individuals across the globe.

The findings estimated that a large proportion of this wealth was managed from some 70 tax havens. Further, augmenting these studies of  TJN, Raymond Baker - in his widely celebrated book titled 'Capitalism' s Achilles Heel: Dirty Money and How to Renew the Free Market System' - estimates that at least $5 trillion have been shifted out of poorer countries to the West since the mid-1970.

It is further estimated by experts that one per cent of the world's population holds more than 57 per cent of total global wealth, routing it invariably through these tax havens.

How much of this is from India is anybody's guess ...????

If India is doing like this the annual tern over will be less and our market will have to close down (BSE\NSE)

we have to trace out the black money when the polities have kept ? where there they use ? but they don't have correct tax details . all are illegal only

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Total_black_money_in_India#ixzz1CRCS9jum

FOREST OFFICIALS CONFISCATE AND SEAL A MINING EXCAVATOR AT PAIKUL

PAIKUL: Acting on a complaint filed by social activist Narayan Desai, Ponda division's forest officials and its mobile squad on Friday confiscated and sealed a mining excavator at Paikul in Satari.

Ponda divisional forest officer Subhash Henriques said, "We have taken the excavator into custody as it trespassed into government forest land. Since the gate to the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary was closed, the excavator scooped the path in a nullah nearby and bypassing the Bondla road entered Paikul forest."

"This is a violation under Section 20 of the Forest Conservation Act 1980 and necessary action will be taken," Henriques added.

Colem deputy range forest officer Dharajeet Naik arrested the driver and cleaner of the excavator and is investigating the case. Mobile squad RFO Lawrence Dias and other officials were present at the time of the arrest. Attempts have been on for a while now to start mining activities in Paikul which is part of the village panchayat of Guleli and which lies close to the sanctuary.

Vigilant villagers opposed to the starting of new or the renewal of old mining leases, on sighting the excavator carrying out work immediately alerted Narayan Desai. Brahma-Karmali-based lawyer Shivaji Desai said, "Paikul is known for agriculture and horticulture. If mining starts here, agriculture will suffer and villagers will face pollution."

Paikul-based environmental activist Dattaram Desai added, "How can we allow mining in our pristine village which is blessed by the perennial Ragado river and which has crystal clear water and clean air? I am born and raised in this village which is free from pollution."

He claimed the Portuguese-time mining lease at Paikul was cancelled by the state pollution control board and that the government has not given any permission to restart mining in Paikul.

Meanwhile villagers of Paikul and surrounding areas of Satari organized a meeting on Friday evening to oppose mining in the area.

Satari Khan Virodhi Jagruti Samiti's Ranjit Rane told the gathering, "We will not allow mining activities in Satari at any cost." He alleged that the Samiti's members were receiving threatening calls from people involved in illegal mining.

PROBE AGAINST MICKKY PACHECO OVER CITIZENSHIP

PANJIM: The Electoral Office here has been asked to probe the allegation of dual citizenship against former Goa minister Fransisco Micky Pacheco, officials said today.

The Election Commission of India (ECI), had, last month asked the Chief Electoral Officer of Goa to probe the allegation against Pacheco, a former state tourism minister.  Pacheco, an NCP MLA who has been a minister thrice, has been accused of holding citizenships of India and USA.

The Joint Chief Electoral Officer of Goa, Arvind Bugde, wrote to the electoral registration officer in Benaulim, asking to conduct inquiry into the issue on January 24. The letter was received yesterday, they said.  Pacheco claimed that he had only Indian citizenship. "I have been sworn thrice in the cabinet. If I had dual citizenship, I would not have got the chance even to contest the election," he said, reacting to the allegation.

The former minister had to resign after getting embroiled in the controversy over the death of his lady friend, Nadia Torrado.  "I am ready to face any inquiry. In the past too, I have come out clean after being probed for false allegations," he said. - PTI

WHAT HAPPENED TO CIPRIANO THAT FATEFUL DAY AT THE PANJIM POLICE STATION!

In what could be a shocking and a harrowing tale of horror at the Panjim police station on the actual facts leading to the death of Cipriano. This could have happened to any other Goan, Cipriano could have been our brother or a family member Georgina Nunes relates the tale in her own words as to the things that happened in her presence at the police station. The recount of the story goes thus:

I saw him getting tortured, dragged and beaten: Georgina In a harrowing tale, Georgina Nunes, who first complained against Cipriano and travelled in the Bolero sued by the police to bring Cipriano to the Panjim police station from Porvorim, tells all to the State Police complaints Authority in her deposition on January 25.

“Soon after the vehicle re-started its journey to Panjim I heard that some noise and commotion ‘daddam dudump zaunk laglem fatlean’ was going on in the rear seat where Cipriano and the two policemen were seated. I could not see what was going on because the driver of the vehicle told me not to look behind”

“Constable Shirvaikar directed the driver to drive to Panjim police station. After that I heard Cipriano telling them to leave his hair which I presume the policemen were pulling at that time and saying ‘sodai re paem podtam, moje kens dukta’. Leave my hair and I beg you for God sake my hair are paining,”

When Georgina reached the Panjim bus stand a panicky Cipriano began reciting prayers. “I heard Cipriano screaming in pain ‘Saiba tum maka pau’, ‘Alla Akbar’ and ‘Om Namah Shivam’.”

“I also remember that later on when Cipriano said ‘Om Nama Shivam’ Shirvaikar telling him ‘tuzo om nama shivam kadtam bhair.” she added. Soon after the vehicle reached Old Patto Bridge, Georgina saw Cipriano’s left leg stretched till the brakes to which the driver, identified as Ryan threatened him break his legs if he didn’t take it off the brakes of the vehicle.

Cipriano obeyed but his leg once again slid through the gap. The driver pushed back Cipriano’s leg but it once again fell on the brakes on reaching the Old Secretariat.

The policemen then threatened him showing the ‘lathi’ but Cipriano failed to respond to any orders. They then reached the police station.

Another scene of police brutality!

The Bolero reached the Panjim police station wherein Cipriano was asked to get off the car which he did not react. “…I continued sitting inside the vehicle, the driver and the police men got down and started pulling out Cipriano form the vehicle. While doing so I then lifted Cipriano’s leg which was on the left brake of the vehicle and placed it on the driver seat in order to make it easy for them to remove Cipriano,” she said. “While lifting the leg of Cipriano, I turned back and saw him with his eyes and mouth closed. I then thought that Cipriano might be pretending to show he was unconscious. I saw Shirvaikar and the other constable dragging Ciprianos body to a room attached to PI Sadesh Chodankars cabin.

Seated in the ‘visitor’s room’ of the police station, Georgina saw Shirvaikar pulling out a ‘khaki colour belt’ and getting in the room where Cipriano was lodged. “After that I heard sounds of blows given with belt inside that room. The driver then came near me and told me to go home,”

It was 10.30 PM. Ciprianos ordeal had only just begun.

One question to the Goa police, what right have you got to murder in cold blood any human being? Does the law give you any right to do that? Just for quarrelling with his girlfriend police have no right to kill the person.  Can this action be justified by the GOA POLICE.  The public would really like to get a statement from the police spokesman SP Mr. Atmaram Deshpande.

PARRIKAR FELICITATES NAGUESH KARMALI

MAYEM: Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar has appealed to villagers to support BJP wholeheartedly to save Goa from the rule of Congress party, which is bent upon selling the State either to the mine owners or to corrupt people.

Manohar Parrikar felicitating Naguesh Karmali

He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating a programme which was organised by BJP Mayem unit to felicitate about 70 freedom fighters, living and dead.  MP Shripad Naik, Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar, Sarpanch Nilkanth Nagvekar and Kalidas Kavlekar were present.

Speaking further, Parrikar alleged that no file from the government department moves forward unless a 15% commission is fixed. He said while some villagers are facing acute poverty, the ministers are enjoying on the commission.

“Real freedom fighters have no status in the nation, while terrorists are treated as guests of the nation and this is the extreme peak of indicating that the State is heading towards downfall,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, North Goa MP Shripad Naik said even after 50 years of liberation, Mayem villagers are still living in slavery and misery and this is the worst state of any democratic nation.

“Many martyrs from Mayem village have lost their lives during the liberation movement, but after liberation their families got nothing but insults and slavery and this was only because of some of the elements existing in the State government which are still petting Portuguese rule and hence a time has now come to dethrone such elements,” he stated.

In his speech, freedom fighter Nagesh Karmali said the State government can solve the issue of evacuee property of Mayem in a simple manner, but some people in the government do not want to sort out the issue, as they are not caring people.

Mayem MLA Anant Shet expressed solidarity towards dedications of freedom fighters which paved the way towards liberation.  MLA Rajesh Patnekar also spoke on the occasion. About 70 freedom fighters were felicitated with shawl, srifal and memento.

FINAL REPORT OF SDM: CIPRIANO DIED DUE TO HEAD INURIES IN POLICE CUSTODY

PANJIM: The Goa Medical College and Hospital doctor, Dr Silvano Sapeco deposing before the JMFC, Panjim on Friday said that Cipriano died of two head injuries.  This was revealed to the press reporters by the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Tiswadi, Mr Shabaji Shetye. Mr Shetye further said that so far he has quizzed 30 witnesses relating to the case and statements of 3-4 persons are yet to be recorded. He said the inquiry is still incomplete and expected it to complete within the next few days.

After going through the histopathological, viscera and post mortem reports, Dr Sapeco in his final report submitted to the JMFC judge said that Cipriano’s death occurred as a result of concussion and swelling in the brain which was a result of two injuries on his head – injury nos 6 and 7 mentioned in the forensic post mortem examination report. The injury nos 6 and 7 on the head were due to a blunt force impact. The post mortem report had clearly mentioned that there were seven simple injuries on Cipriano’s body.

Mr Shabaji Shetye stated that he has checked the police records like the station diary, arrest register, log book, wireless radio message besides the diet register and clothes of Cipriano which were on his body on the day he died. He informed that all the documents were handed over to the JMFC judge Friday evening.

Speaking to the press reporters, Mr Shetye stated that he was summoned by the JMFC, Ms Shabana Shaikh to depose before her. Mr Shetye informed that the Judicial Magistrate First Class commands powers under Section 176 to summon him and ask him about the case. Meanwhile, the SDM recorded the statements of two witnesses in the Cipriano case Friday evening.

It may be recalled that three policemen were placed under suspension by the DGP, Mr Bhim Sen Bassi on the basis of an interim report submitted by the DySP Mr Bossuet de Silva. After conducting an inquiry, the DySP had come to the conclusion that the three policemen had not adhered to Supreme Court guidelines while arresting Cipriano. The departmental inquiry is still being conducted.

Cipriano was arrested on the night of January 7 after his girlfriend complained that he had threatened her with a knife. The next day, he was admitted to the GMC after he started frothing at the mouth. He died on the morning of January 8.

PROTEST BY BOGMALO LOCALS AGAINST INDIAN NAVY FOR TRYING TO FORCIBLY ANNEX BIMBVEL ISLANDS

MARGAO: Residents from Bogmalo and surrounding areas converged at a public meeting near Bogmalo beach on Thursday evening to protest the proposed land acquisition of Bimbel beach and two St George islands by the Indian Navy.

It has been learnt that the Navy is out to build a luxury resort at the Bimbvel Islands for their families. It has also been learnt that Sudhir Pillai has his own personal ambitions under the guise of the Navy Commander to have a larger chunk of the Islands for himself

The villagers resolved to lead a morcha to the legislative assembly complex on February 2 to demand that the government does not accede to the Navy's demand. Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik and deputy speaker Mauvin Godinho who were present on the occasion, expressed their support to the public agitation. Panchayat members of the area were also present.

The public resentments are that though Mauvin Godinho was present and was pledging his support to the people, the case is otherwise. Some public has on condition of anonymity has said that it is Mauvin Godinho who is helping the Navy to acquire the islands for their personal pleasure and fun at a very high amount.

ALERT PAIKUL VILLAGERS TWART AN ATTEMPT BY THE MINING LOBBY TO RESTART MINING

VALPOI: Officials from the Forest Department seized a vehicle carrying mining machinery from Paikul village late evening on Thursday. Suspecting foul play over the presence of a vehicle with mining machinery near the Bondla wildlife sanctuary check- post on January 25, villagers had alerted the anti-mining activists. However, before any action could be taken, the driver bypassed the check-post and diverted the machinery from a remote road and entered into the Paikul village on Thursday.

When locals questioned the driver over the vehicle, they were allegedly told that it has been brought to restart mining at the site located in the village. They further alerted the forest department’s mobile squad.

When a team of forest officials enquired with the driver Anil Naik and Sachindra Naik both natives of Ankola, Karwar, they failed to produce the relevant documents. They were eventually nabbed for illegally intruding in the forest area under Forest Act and after conducting panchanama the vehicle carrying the machinery was also detained.

The forest officials including Mr Subhash Henreque, Mr GT Kumar, Mr Daraji Naik, Mr Laxman Naik, Mr Kashinath Konadkar, Mr Deepak Mahile, Mr Kalpesh Naik and others were involved in nabbing the culprits. Further investigation is on.

Meanwhile, villagers in the area have accused the government of turning a blind eye towards illegal mining. Also, members of Satari Jagruk Yuva Morcha have strongly condemned the attempt to restart mining in the forest area as the villagers of Paikul will be the worst sufferers. They have sought intervention of the government in the matter and asked the forest department not to release the vehicle.