Opposition MLAs Stage Sit-In Protest in Goa Assembly Over Unity Mall Issue
Panaji witnessed dramatic scenes in the legislative assembly on Thursday afternoon. Opposition members rushed to the well of the House during the session. They carried out a sit-in protest, voicing strong demands.
Protest Against Possible Police Action
The MLAs protested against possible police action targeting villagers from Chimbel. These villagers have been agitating over the controversial Unity Mall project. The opposition legislators shouted slogans loudly. They chanted "Scrap karo, scrap karo, Unity Mall scrap karo" and "Aamka naka, aamka naka, Unity Mall amka naka".
They also demanded the complete scrapping of the project. The protest continued for some time, disrupting the assembly proceedings.
Chief Minister's Assurance Calms Tensions
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant addressed the agitated MLAs directly. He gave a clear assurance to the opposition members. Sawant stated that no villager from Chimbel would face arrest in connection with the protests.
Following this assurance, the protesting MLAs returned to their seats. The assembly session resumed its normal course after the intervention.
Legal and Environmental Concerns Raised
St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar raised specific demands during the discussion. He urged the state government not to oppose any adverse court judgement against the Unity Mall project. A case has been filed by the villagers challenging the project.
Borkar connected the protest to broader environmental issues. He mentioned that the Unity Mall protests represent one fallout of water shortage problems in Goa. The MLA explained that villagers oppose the project due to potential damage to Toyyar Lake.
Court Order and Government Response
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Sawant addressed the assembly on this matter. He informed the House that the government would seek legal opinion on a recent court order. The district sessions court quashed the construction licence issued to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation for Unity Mall.
Opposition members also rushed to the floor during zero-hour mentions. This occurred after Goa police used a signal jammer to stop broadcasting of the Chimbel residents' agitation.
Dialogue and Warnings
Sawant emphasized the government's approach to the situation. He stated that authorities have started a dialogue with Chimbel residents. The Chief Minister suggested that four representatives from the village should meet him directly. He advised against continuing agitation.
Opposition leader Yuri Alemao issued a warning during the session. He said residents demand that the government should not challenge the court order. Alemao cautioned that failure to decide against challenging the order could lead to a law-and-order situation.
The protest highlighted growing tensions over development projects in Goa. It showed the opposition's determination to raise local concerns in the legislative assembly.
