PM to visit Goa, likely to appease the Anti SEZ protest

Dec 27:  Alarmed by the Nandigram incident the unrest in Goa has gained a momentum which is yet another incident of failure of state government at communication level.

Goa’s movement against SEZ (GMAS) has badly threatened the tourism industry in Goa, GMAS has asked all tourists for Christmas celebration and New Year celebration to leave Goa before December 28 after which GMAS is likely to intensify the stir.

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“No one wants to harm the tourists but we cannot assure our agitation would be peaceful," said Siddhanath Buyao, Secretary of GMAS.

“We are requesting them to leave Goa by December 28 as the protest may turn ugly in the days to come,” Buyao warned.

It is reported that domestic as well as foreign tourist are cancelling their booking, Lakhs of tourists visit Goa during Christmas and New Year celebration.

Opposition party of Goa, BJP has also extended its support to anti SEZ protest initiated by GMAS.

Manohar Parrikar, leader of opposition said, “We peacefully appeal tourists to cooperate with the SEZ activists who have chalked out certain agitation and leave the state.”

Earlier Mathany Saldanha, GMAS convener had requested tourists to leave the state.

On the report of possible action against Mathany Saldhana, Parikar warned, “BJP will be forced to agitate on the roads, if government tries to arrest Saldanha.”

However, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visit to Goa is likely to pacify the protesters; Dr. Singh will be there to inaugurate Broadband Services in Panaji, to link it with rest of Talukas.

The protest is planned for Friday against the succession of agricultural and forest land for SEZs in the state, out of seven proposed SEZ three have been notified.

Coming days will tell that how the situation have turned, whether the State government assuring the tourist to feel safe and sound has been able to keep its promise or not.

However the lure of investment opportunity and the benefits of SEZ should be adequately communicated to the masses.

Opposition too should play a responsible role seeing the widespread violence of Nandigram which took toll of about 30 lives, instead other methods of protest should be adopted.

Fear of loosing land and their culture can take a destructive turn hence government, opposition and civil society should come together to ensure peace in Goa.