Demand by HJS with Goa District Collector and Archaeology Department
Panaji : Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has reiterated its demand by submitting memorandum to North Goa District Collector on 11th November and to Archaeology Department, few days ago that ‘Haat Katro Khamb’ memorial at old Goa should be declared as ancient heritage site. Memorandum was handed over to Chief Superintendent of Archaeology Department Izar Alam Hashmi by delegation of HJS comprising of Shri. Mayuresh Kushte, Shri. Bharat Hegade of ‘Swadeshi Vichar Manch’; Shri. Satyavijay Naik, Shri. Sushant Dalvi and Shri. Bhagavant Naik of HJS. Archaeology Department has conducted survey in various villages in search of ancient structures and has declared that heritage places found during such survey would be included in the Department’s heritage list. Chief Superintendent of Archaeology Department Izar Alam Hashmi has given positive response to HJS’ demand; has promised to conduct survey of this place and to exhibit boards giving information on that site.
It has been also stated in the memorandum that ‘Haat Katro Khamb’ is the symbol of sacrifices made by patriotic self-respecting Hindus of Gomantak. It is a symbol of atrocities committed against Hindus during Portuguese regime. The construction is at old Goa for the past 150 years and has reference in history book. There is, however, not a single board giving historical information on ‘Haat Katro Khamb’; indicating apathy of Indian Archaeology Department and Goa Government. In the year 2016, Urban development Department of Goa and local municipal administration had stated that they were to prepare a ‘master plan’ for preservation and development of heritage places in old Goa. HJS had made similar demand even at that time for declaring ‘Haat Katro Khamb’ as ancient national monument; besides demanding building of fence around it, displaying boards giving information on history of ‘Haat Katro Khamb’ with the help of historians; giving information about this place to tourists visiting Goa etc. Such demand was made with Goa Government by HJS earlier even in the year 2014.
