Farmers Movement Archive

Bharat bandh: Small protests across Goa, but life goes on as usual

PANAJI/MARGAO: The all-India bandh call issued in support of protesting farmers didn’t have much of an impact in Goa, as life went on as usual on Tuesday. Markets and commercial establishments were open, and government and private offices functioned normally. Public transport, too, plied as usual. A protest dharna was held at Azad Maidan, Panaji, and a rally taken out in Margao, in support of the farmers’ demands. Farmers and other protestors rallying under the banner of ‘Goyant Kollso Naka’ at the protest rally in Margao denounced the farm laws enacted by the Centre. The protestors went round the municipal garden shouting slogans against the government. John Fernandes, a progressive farmer, addressing the protestors, said that the farm laws enacted by the government were not in the interest of farmers and the common man. He demanded that the government repeal the laws and bring in new laws that are beneficial to farmers in consultation with all stakeholders. Activists, politicians and the general public participated in the dharna held at Azad Maidan, extending their solidarity towards the farmers’ movement in Delhi. Organised by the All India Kisan Sabha, AITUC, and CITU as part of the nationwide Bharat bandh, the dharna also received support from the several organisations including Goa private bus owners’ association. “The Punjab farmers have given us a way forward on how to treat a government that doesn’t treat its citizens with respect,” said Goa Foundation’s Claude Alvares. “This is the lesson that all agitators in Goa will learn today... People in Goa also have the same amount of turmoil, and we have a government that doesn’t listen to us and serves us one lie after another,” he added. Congress state president Girish Chodankar slammed the “well thought out agenda of the government to crush farmers and farm labourers”. “This move will ensure that the country’s poor farmers remain vulnerable while Narendra Modi’s fan club is given good deals,” he said. Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai said that farmers have awakened the collective conscience of the nation. “There is a special significance to Bharat bandh as this is a government that refuses to listen to the people,” he said. “Let us take inspiration from our youth and farmers and unite to raise our voice to save Goa now.” Meanwhile, general secretary of the bus owners association, Sudip Tamankar, condemned the intimidation of farmers at the hands of the government. “The agriculture bill is a move to destroy mandis, export price and support price,” he said.

The Times of India

2020-12-09

Goa