Panaji : Taking cognizance of the demand made by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) and its warning to undertake movement for its fulfillment, Goa State Directorate of Archives and Archaeology has initiated the process for inclusion of ‘Haat Kaatro Khamb’ in the list of preserved heritage monuments. Experts from different fields and officers of the concerned department have been taken in the committee formed for the purpose. In its recent meeting, detailed discussions were held on the topic of ‘Haat Kaatro Khamb’.
HJS has been making efforts for the past 4 years for inclusion of ‘Haat Kaatro Khamb’ as a national monument required to be preserved. HJS obtained most reliable information under RTI Act; so also obtained historical references and other details regarding ‘Haat Kaatro Khamb’. HJS submitted representations to the Chief Minister, Archaeology Department etc expressing concern over the security of ‘Haat Kaatro Khamb’, enclosing copies of all proofs collected under RTI Act. It was necessary to provide security to ‘Haat Kaatro Khamb’ due to increasing urbanization and traffic causing danger to the structure. It was, however, not given the status of heritage national monument; therefore, it was not provided security.
Many articles, in favour and against the issue, were published in other newspapers. In addition, a political party like AAP pasted its posters on the pillar for canvassing and crossed all limits of sensitivity. HJS has lodged complaint against AAP and staged agitations at Ponda for the demand with the State and Central Government for declaration of ‘Haat Kaatro Khamb’ as a heritage national monument.
Taking cognizance of all the incidents, Director of Archives and Archaeology has put up for discussions and further action, the matter related to ‘Haat Kaatro Khamb’ before the preservation committee set up under ‘Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1978 and Rules, 1980.’ Director Mendora of Goa State Department of Archives and Archaeology has informed HJS about the same through a letter. Later, a meeting of ‘Sanvardhan Committee’ was held and information has been received from reliable sources that the topic of ‘Haat Kaatro Khamb’ was discussed in the meeting.
‘Haat Kaatro Khamb’ a memorial-pillar of Goans about sacrificing their life for preserving own self-respect
‘Haat Kaatro Khamb’ is a symbol of sacrifice made by Goans for preserving their self-respect. It is their memorial – pillar. It is an important witness to the terrible atrocities meted out by the Portuguese to natives of Goa, in the name of Inquisition. If ‘Haat Kaatro Khamb’ is preserved, it will help to keep memories of sacrifices made by ancestors, alive in the mind of future generations. Objects and monuments that keep alive memories of bravery and history are very important. Signs of oppression by aliens in a country or signs of the oppressive regimes are preserved in countries like Germany, America, Russia etc so as to avoid repetition of history. It is therefore, necessary to preserve ‘Haat Kaatro Khamb’.
