STRANGE SUPPORTERS: PRIVATE BUS OWNERS SUPPORT THE GOA BANDH

PANJIM: Mr Sudip Tamankar of the All-Goa Bus Owners Association on Sunday confirmed their participation in the bandh called by the Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch despite the transport department issuing a stern warning against such a move.

The transport department has warned the transporters that all owners of vehicles having permits, including temporary permits, and operating on different routes “are informed that in case any vehicle is detected/reported regarding non-operation of the vehicle in support of the bandh, action will be initiated by the directorate of transport in suspending/ cancelling the permit held by the respective vehicle.” On the other hand, not willing to take a risk the Goa University has announced that examinations scheduled for Monday have been postponed. The circular postponing the examinations said, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the students may find it difficult to reach their respective examination centres in time for those examination of Goa University scheduled on 6/6/2011. In order to avoid inconvenience to the said students, the examinations scheduled on 6/6/2011 of Goa University have been postponed and the same are rescheduled on 8/6/2011 at the same time and venue.”

The BBSM president and former chief minister, Ms Shashikala Kakodkar is spearheading the bandh, which is strongly backed by the BJP. Ms Kakodkar claimed that even though schools are to open for the academic year from Monday, several schools would support the bandh.

The BBSM has also claimed the support of Congress-led government coalition partners -- the NCP and the MGP -- as well as the Shiv Sena.

On Friday, the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat had held a high-level meeting directing all departments to be proactive during the strike. Top police officers accompanied by a magistrate -- in case of emergency -- will be seen on roads and are authorised to take action in case of damage to government property. - NT