Panaji (Goa): Bhartiya Bhasha Suraskha Manch (BBSM) with the support of political parties will be observing a state-wide bandh on Monday to oppose Goa government’s pro-English education in the primary schools.
Various other organizations and individuals in support of Konkani and Marathi languages are working overtime to gather as many people to join the bandh pressing the government to roll back its decision.
Goa authorities are making all possible efforts to stop the strike even as BBSM claims to have gathered enough support from the people joining the strike.
BBSM Convener and ex-Goa Chief Minister Shashikala Kakodkar said that people have volunteered to shut down establishments, shops and even schools.
However, emergency services like pharmacies, ambulances and hospitals are excluded from the bandh.
“This should be an eye-opener to the government for attempting to eradicate regional languages. Several schools have decided to cooperate with the strike,” Kakodkar said.
The bandh has been called when the schools will re-open for the new academic year. Political parties including Bhartiya Janata Party, Nationalist Congress Party, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Shiv Sena have extended full support for the bandh.
Goa government, at a high-level meeting, has issued orders to take into custody any one disturbing the peace in the state or blocking vehicular movement on the streets.
Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed across the state including the state borders, schools and other strategic locations to avoid any inconvenience. Police protection has been given to school buses.
Education department has said that it will not postpone the beginning of the academic year.
The police department will resort to preventive arrests from Sunday night onwards with 50 BBSM supporters already summoned to Bicholim and Porvorim police stations.
Government has issued warning to bus owners from joining the strike following news reports that the All Goa Private Bus Owners Associaiton has extended support to the strike. Transport department has threatened to cancel licenses and permits to those supporting the strike.
Source: New Kerala
