HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, AUG 19 – Activists of the SEZ Virodhi Manch (SVM) from Verna and Loutolim stormed into a SEZ construction site at Verna on Tuesday and stopped work there.
Goa Bachao Abhiyan Activist Pravin Sabnis, SEZ Virodhi Manch convenor Charles Fernandes, Peter Gama and Fr Eremito Rebello barged into the SEZ site, after they were informed about the ongoing work at the site. The project is being developed at Phase IV of Verna Industrial Estate, after getting respite from the High Court to resume work.
As the activists were trying to stop the work, labourers were seen running to take cover against the activists. Some activists even rushed to the makeshift office and flushed out personnel seated there. They warned them not to start any work at the site. Labourers who wanted to leave the site were stopped till the police could arrive at the site. The panic-stricken labourers claimed that they had started the work a week ago and had been brought by a contractor from Mumbai.
Addressing the activists, Pravin Sabnis of GBA said that on December 8, 2007 Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had announced that all ongoing work at the SEZs would be stopped.
“Subsequently the work at Keri and Verna SEZs were stopped and later in January, the chief minister had announced that all SEZs would be scrapped. But nothing has been done and the government is fooling the people,” he added. Commenting on the compensation to the SEZ promoters, Sabnis claimed that the SEZ promoters should instead compensate the people for destroying flora and fauna in the area.
Fr Rebello lambasted the lethargic attitude of the government towards SEZ promoters.
“The government is quick to take action when the common man illegally undertakes minor constructions. Why is it reluctant to stop this huge illegal construction,” asked Fr Rebello.
It may be recalled that SVM activities had earlier obstructed 200 workers on December 10, 2007, bringing the work to a halt.
Meanwhile, Ashok Keni, former Navy commander and security chief at the site filed a police complaint, claiming that around 70 people had trespassed into his office and had assaulted him and his colleagues, besides damaging property. Maina-Courtorim PI Dharmesh Angle said that a case against 70 unknown persons have been registered under Sections 143 (forming unlawful assembly), 323 (assault), 427 (damaging property), 447 (trespass) and 506 (2) r/w 149 IPC.
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