http://www.timesofindia.com/today/03mpan8.htm


Parking space row: It's military vs public again 

The Times of India News Service - Tuesday 3 July 2001 

PANAJI: The government has instructed Chief Secretary Baleshwar Rai to intervene and advice the Commandant of 2-STC Signals Centre at Panaji to control his men who are alleged to be exhibiting their guns at the motorists when they try to park in front of the town police station in a vacant lane over which the defence forces have no jurisdiction.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday made it clear to the administration that the area in question was a public place and the army men could not exercise their control on it. He also asked the chief secretary to brief the commandant about it and avoid confrontation with the people of the state.

Earlier in the past, the dispute arose when the Panaji Municipality wanted to occupy the footpath to rehabilitate the kiosk owners near the said Signals Centre. The footpaths too happen to be in the possession of the municipality. Subsequently the military authorities agreed to cooperate and gave up the idea of using muscle power against the public when the former chief secretary and the commandant held a meeting.

Now it is the second time, allegations are leveled against the Signals Training Centre officials saying their men are threatening them with guns if their vehicles are parked in the vicinity of the Centre.

TGF Comment: 

The above illustrates the absolutely unnecessary confrontations that the Indian Army is provoking in Goa. 

As a matter of fact, there is absolutely NO strategic reason for the Army to be in town. All it is doing is engaging in the  provocation of peaceful, law abiding residents of Panaji (Panjim); the very same people who welcomed the Indian Army in 1961 !

If any one in the  know is sensible, that individual will organise the relocation of these Signalmen from the lovely Heritage buildings of Panjim to the outskirts.

Becoming drunk at Goan dances and behaving badly is bad enough. Here, we have ordinary Goans being threatened by these fellas who came to Goa, ostensibly to "liberate" Goa from the ruthless Portuguese!!

After the grabbing of Anjadiva Island from Goa and the tug of war which is going on at Dabolim Airport between the Indian Navy and the Goan people, TGF is beginning to wonder whether the Indian Army and Navy truly consider Goans as Indians or foreigners?

From a purely Goan perspective, all that has happened since 1961, besides some electrification, road building and educational opportunity is that Goa has had one inconsiderate regime replaced by another.

As a bonus, Goa has become filthy, chaotic, polluted and corrupt.

Does one call this Liberation?

Perhaps!

If by that, one means : Liberation from Senses!

TGF

July 4, 2001

Back to:  Are Goans Liberated ?