Malkarnem meet resolves to oppose IIT at Sanguem

Margao: The gram sabha of Malkarnem on Sunday passed a resolution opposing the setting up of a permanent IIT campus in Sanguem.
Significantly, the issue was taken up for discussion at the special gram sabha that was called specifically to discuss activities pertaining to the biodiversity committee constituted by the panchayat.
Anti-IIT protestors, who far outnumbered the supporters for the project, insisted that a discussion be held on the issue. Tense moments prevailed for a while and, following chaos and confusion, a resolution opposing the IIT project was passed.
Sarpanch Rajesh Gaonkar presided over the gram sabha.
Meanwhile, the dharna (sit-in) by anti-IIT protesters in Sanguem marked its 48th day on Sunday. The protesters have been agitating by the roadside at Sanguem.
The South Goa district magistrate had earlier imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in Sanguem municipal area and Uguem panchayat area anticipating law and order problems arising out of the anti-IIT protest.
The proposed project is to be set up on the 7.5 lakh sqm of government-owned land in Cotarli, Sanguem, but the farmers have laid claim to the land on the grounds that they have been cultivating the land for years and eking out their livelihoods on it.
Sanguem MLA and minister for social welfare, Subhash Phal Dessai, who has been the staunchest proponent of the project, has assured to compensate farmers who can produce the slightest evidence of cultivating the land, notwithstanding the land ownership rights vested with the government.