Vasco: Goyant Kollso Naka (GKN), the anti-coal group has announced at a press briefing held in Verna, that talks are ongoing with Goencho Ekvott (GE) to unite and fight for the common cause of opposing coal in Goa.
“Around two to three meetings have taken place and soon both groups will unite for the common cause, which is to oppose coal and other mega draconian projects in Goa and to stop Goa from becoming coal hub, said Vikas Bhagat, a core member of GKN.
He further stated that their group since October 2 has been organizing awareness creation programmes for the people under the leadership of well-known green activists Abhijit Prabhudesai and Diana Tavares.
Diogo Fernandes of GKN said that it is wrong on the part of the railways to acquire half of the land and start the laying of railway work.
“How can anyone go ahead with such a big project when the land acquisition has not been completed? There has been strong opposition by the people and the move of railway to spend so much of money and do half of the work and afterwards push the remaining work neglecting the people's opposition is wrong,” he added.
Responding to queries about the perception that people from Salcete are protesting more as compared to the people of Mormugao, Vikas said that there is political pressure from the ruling party as the MLAs of Mormugao are all from BJP. He claimed that the Cortalim BJP MLA Alina Saldhana has had to face the music from her party leaders for supporting this people's agitation, as has been conveyed to them by her supporters. He also praised the people of Salcete, not only for this protest but for being active always even during the freedom struggle.
At the press briefing, GKN also announced that G-Clicks, a group which has a Youtube channel will support them by giving a platform to the Goan artists to showcase their art conveying the protests.
Lloyd Godinho, curator of G-Clicks Goa, said they want the layman to understand the cause behind the movement against coal. He added that their aim is to create awareness on the ill-effects of coal with the helo of artists and that the audio-visual platform can have a strong impact. There will Konkani songs presented on the channel besides street plays, music videos, talks etc.