Mirabag protesters host Shigmo meal as stir continues

Margao: Even as Shigmo festivities spread across Goa, anti-bandhara protesters at Mirabag marked the occasion at their makeshift protest tent, where they are camping for over 20 days, cooking the festival’s traditional dishes collectively and hosting visiting Shigmo mells from neighbouring villages.

The protesters, opposing the proposed bandhara project in the village, ensured that the age-old tradition of hosting mell members for lunch stayed alive, even if not from the comfort of their own homes. However, the gesture came with sharp questions directed at BJP govt.


“How can a govt that swears by Hindu values and traditions force its own people to celebrate their most cherished festival away from their homes?” said a woman protester. “We have been protesting for 20 days now and have no time to cook at home. During Shigmo, mell members from neighbouring villages visit our village, and after their performance, it is our tradition to host them for lunch. Since we cannot do so at our homes this time, we decided to cook for them collectively here at the protest site. But we earnestly pray that this so-called Hindutvavadi govt opens its eyes and scraps this project before Holi.”

The agitation at Mirabag has been building steadily over residents’ fears that the proposed bandhara would cause flooding in the village, threatening their homes and livelihoods.

The protest reached a flashpoint earlier this week when locals gheraoed the water resources department assistant engineer, demanding the project be scrapped.

Acknowledging the agitation, BJP state president Damodar Naik said on Saturday that the chief minister has been advised to look into the matter. “Govt will never impose any project against the wishes of the people,” Naik said, speaking to reporters.