Friday, 17 July 2009

Police Terror - Goa

In Goa, for protection use the Police. However the latter, is more in terms of the Police being misused or pressurised, by Political-Builder-Mining-Land Sharks network to intimidate genuine protestors; so as to protect crores/lakhs of rupees of illegitimate income & other benefits.

For instance in the Salcete Taluka of Goa, There are Specific MLA’s who in co-ordination with their corrupt colleagues, at village panchayat’s and elsewhere in the village; use the Police to intimidate and subdue any opposition to their illegal/corrupt ways. Quite a few activists have been slapped with False Police Cases and in many instances specific MLA’s send the Police to the residences or work places, of Specific Activists for intimidation into submission!! I appreciate that some times, the Police have no other option, but to entertain these coercive requests.

However in a Democratic setup, citizens can stop this domestic terror; some options are:
(1) People must speak up against such terror tactics via the media & other avenues; we can no longer remain silent. The following quote by Martin Niemöller (1892) should give all of us, enough reason to do so: “In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist; And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist; And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew; And then... they came for me... And by that time there was no one left to speak up."
(2) Affected Activists must approach Human Rights Organisations; India/ International
(3) Alternatively, affected activists can get united and file strong lawsuits that should be well publicized in Goa, India & even internationally; if necessary these lawsuits should even go right up to the Supreme Court of India. And to re-iterate again, the lawsuits must be well publicised; both India & Internationally!!

Arwin Mesquita, UAE.

Police Terror - Goa

In Goa, for protection use the Police. However the latter, is more in terms of the Police being misused or pressurised, by Political-Builder-Mining-Land Sharks network to intimidate genuine protestors; so as to protect crores/lakhs of rupees of illegitimate income & other benefits.

For instance in the Salcete Taluka of Goa, There are Specific MLA’s who in co-ordination with their corrupt colleagues, at village panchayat’s and elsewhere in the village; use the Police to intimidate and subdue any opposition to their illegal/corrupt ways. Quite a few activists have been slapped with False Police Cases and in many instances specific MLA’s send the Police to the residences or work places, of Specific Activists for intimidation into submission!! I appreciate that some times, the Police have no other option, but to entertain these coercive requests.

However in a Democratic setup, citizens can stop this domestic terror; some options are:
(1) People must speak up against such terror tactics via the media & other avenues; we can no longer remain silent. The following quote by Martin Niemöller (1892) should give all of us, enough reason to do so: “In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist; And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist; And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew; And then... they came for me... And by that time there was no one left to speak up."
(2) Affected Activists must approach Human Rights Organisations; India/ International
(3) Alternatively, affected activists can get united and file strong lawsuits that should be well publicized in Goa, India & even internationally; if necessary these lawsuits should even go right up to the Supreme Court of India. And to re-iterate again, the lawsuits must be well publicised; both India & Internationally!!

Arwin Mesquita, UAE.

How is that Non-Goans recognise Goa's Unique Identity and some Goans do not?

Dear Goans ,

This is particularly for those do not appreciate Goa's Unique Identity & think its irrelevant!!
See comments from some Non-Goans below on Goa's Unique Identity; what to they see that these Goans do not?

Arwin Mesquita, UAE

(1) Dr Manmohan Singh’s daughter Upinder Kaur
http://www.oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=23665&cid=26
Goa’s unique cultural identity – a confluence of different cultures – has fascinated Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh’s daughter Upinder Kaur.
“Goa is beautiful and calm. The state is famous for beautiful beaches, Churches and temples”, Kaur said during a brief interaction with the media on Thursday.
But, more than anything else, what fascinated Kaur the most was the State’s unique cultural identity.
A history professor in Delhi and author of many books, Kaur along with her husband Vijay Tanka and children paid a visit to the Kadam house here to offer condolence to the family of late Shivanand Kadam.
“During my last visit, I happened to visit the churches in Old Goa, besides the beaches. But, what is really interesting Goa is its very unique culture. You can sense that even if you are in the State for a short time. The unique cultural identity is very fascinating”, Kaur said, while disclosing plans to visit some of the beaches, temples and Churches this time round. Away from the hustle and bustle in Delhi, Kaur says she will take time to relax and enjoy Goa’s beauty.
Fielding a volley of questions from newsmen on his father’s second innings as the Country’s Prime Minister, Upinder said Dr Singh has a great responsibility and hoped he lives up to that. When asked how it feels to be the daughter of the Prime Minister, she said “we see him as somebody who has a great opportunity to do something for the country. We feel he has the capacity and desire to bring about positive change in the development. We are sure he would do a great job”.
But, her attention was drawn to the fact that Dr Singh’s second innings starts at a time of economic meltdown, she said her father is a brilliant economist and exuded confidence he would steer the country out of it. “My father does try to spend time with us. But, work comes first. He is busy with official work”, she said, when asked whether the Prime Minister spends time with the family.
Replying to a question, Kaur agreed that a lot needs to be done in the area of protecting our historical and ancient culture. As a parting shot, Kaur said she is more interested in history and politics.

(2) Bollywood actor Nana Patekar
http://www.mail-archive.com/goan-nri@yahoogroups.co.in/msg05929.html
'Tourists don't just come to Goa for it's beaches but for it's people too' Says
noted Bollywood actor Nana Patekar

Watch him talking very high about Goa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sryLZyyzUpg


Nana Patekar is a noted bollywood actor known for his natural way of acting
He is known to give generously to the poor

This is what he says in the video ( partly translated- I may be wrong)

'If I speak Konkani today, neither you nor I will understand it'

‘I like the way it is done in Goa where all people come together to celebrate
shigmo or the Goan culture.. no matter what religion you belong to.’.
‘I myself does not believe in any religion’
When he was born he did not know whether he belong to Hindu, Muslim or
Christian.
He also says people /tourists don’t just come to Goa for the beaches but for
the Goan peace loving people too.
He also says in Konkani ‘ Maka soiro munn apoilo’ but next time invite me as
committee member’
He repeatedly urged the Goan people to maintain their unique identity.
‘You know me as an actor what you didn’t know that I was a painter too’
He once designed a Republic day float at New Delhi and got paid Rs.460 which
helped him to pay his school term fees.

Srinivas Dempo (also seen) suggested Nana Patekar to make a film on Goa based
on Goan Culture etc (not covered in the video).

(3) Late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goa_Opinion_Poll
India gained its independence from the British in 1947. Goa was the largest part of the Portuguese possession in India, the other territories being small enclaves. In 1961, India incorporated these territories after a military invasion. At the time of Goa’s accession into India, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had promised that Goa would retain its distinct identity. Even prior to the annexation of Goa, the Government of Independent India had promised that the people of Goa would be consulted on any decision about their territory.[4]
http://www.navhindtimes.com/story.php?story=200905286
Mr Bhembre said that at the time of liberation, the state had a chance to safeguard its interest however failed to do so as �we focused our energies elsewhere.� He said, �Today we are fighting for special status like other North-Eastern states, however, much damage has already been done.� He said that Pandit Nehru had a unique attachment for Goa and had pitched for Goa having an unique identity even before Goa�s liberation which he pushed for even after liberation.


Arwin Mesquita (UAE)

Monday, 13 July 2009

CAN DO'S - SAVE BEAUTIFUL GOA & ITS PRIZED/UNIQUE GOAN IDENTITY

Time is running out; Goa is losing its Prized Unique Identity and the critical issues include:
(1) Ruthless Mining (2) Mega Projects (3) Un-Controlled Migrant Influx (4) Large scale land sales to outsiders including foreigners (Includes a lot of land that is illegally converted), (5) The Slow death of Konkani, (6) Destruction of Environment/Ecology (7) Land/Water Contamination (8) Faulty Employment policy forcing Goans to leave Goa, (9) Illiterate/Corrupt MLA's in many key ministries of the Goa Government etc

In my view, Goans have three choices:
(1) Give up on Goa, Do nothing and let Goa & its Identity be lost forever,
(2) Discuss what we cannot do; which might as well mean giving up and doing nothing.
(3) DISCUSS/AGREE WHAT "WE CAN DO" TO SAVE & PRESERVE, OUR BEAUTIFUL GOA & ITS PRIZED/UNIQUE GOAN IDENTITY"

Arwin Mesquita

Friday, 3 July 2009

Un-necessary Kabrastan Controversy

The Kabrastan issue should have been a non-issue and with respect, every community has the right to bury their dead. The major concern here is that we run the risk of alienating our Goan Muslims who are as Goan, as the Goan Hindus & Catholics. But to put into perspective, the Anti-Kabrastan chorus is just an unfortunate consequence of the actual root cause i.e. uncontrolled migrant influx, which is changing the Goan Demographics rapidly. Goans should address the root cause, which will prevent creating un-necessary controversies, like the Kabrastan issue!! Can we Goans, particularly the Catholics, first look within and understand that who is responsible for this root cause i.e.:
(1) Migrant vote banks openly encouraged by many MLA's including many Catholic MLA's & Ministers; and why are Catholics voting blindly en masse for the same corrupt candidates/parties; over & over again?
(2) Un-necessary mega projects not only bring in new residents but also create huge un-necessary employment for migrants to come into Goa. Are we in any doubt of the political support to these monstrosities?
(3) Housing Boards which are proven to favour non-goans but openly encouraged by MLA's, for example one now is being actively pursued in Loutolim constituency!!
(4) Migrants are easily obtaining voting rights in Goa i.e. more easy for them then Goans and our MLA's including most Catholic MLA's/Ministers facilitate the same
(5) The Goa Governments Employment Policy is a faulty, toothless & corrupt policy which actually favours non-goans; our MLA's are reluctant to address it as they will lose an important source of illegitimate revenue!!

Surely there are many more points which we can gather and my point is let us focus on the root causes & fight the real enemies of Goa & Goans!!

Arwin Mesquita,
UAE.

Un-necessary Kabrastan Controversy

The Kabrastan issue should have been a non-issue and with respect, every community has the right to bury their dead. The major concern here is that we run the risk of alienating our Goan Muslims who are as Goan, as the Goan Hindus & Catholics. But to put into perspective, the Anti-Kabrastan chorus is just an unfortunate consequence of the actual root cause i.e. uncontrolled migrant influx, which is changing the Goan Demographics rapidly. Goans should address the root cause, which will prevent creating un-necessary controversies, like the Kabrastan issue!! Can we Goans, particularly the Catholics, first look within and understand that who is responsible for this root cause i.e.:
(1) Migrant vote banks openly encouraged by many MLA's including many Catholic MLA's & Ministers; and why are Catholics voting blindly en masse for the same corrupt candidates/parties; over & over again?
(2) Un-necessary mega projects not only bring in new residents but also create huge un-necessary employment for migrants to come into Goa. Are we in any doubt of the political support to these monstrosities?
(3) Housing Boards which are proven to favour non-goans but openly encouraged by MLA's, for example one now is being actively pursued in Loutolim constituency!!
(4) Migrants are easily obtaining voting rights in Goa i.e. more easy for them then Goans and our MLA's including most Catholic MLA's/Ministers facilitate the same
(5) The Goa Governments Employment Policy is a faulty, toothless & corrupt policy which actually favours non-goans; our MLA's are reluctant to address it as they will lose an important source of illegitimate revenue!!

Surely there are many more points which we can gather and my point is let us focus on the root causes & fight the real enemies of Goa & Goans!!

Arwin Mesquita,
UAE.