Observe peaceful bandh, urges BBSM

MARGAO: The Bhartiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) at its meeting held at Margao on Tuesday urged the people to observe a total yet peaceful bandh across Goa on June 6 to protest the state government`s decision to give grants to English medium primary schools.
The meeting deliberated on various plans and suggestions to make the bandh successful, even as leaders urged the public to observe utmost restraint. Shashikala Kakodkar, speaking on the occasion, urged the public to ensure that the bandh turns out to be `totally peaceful` and an `ideal` form of protest. Stating that the issue would not be resolved by merely observing a bandh, Kakodkar urged the people to brace themselves for a sustained agitation against the government.
The BBSM leaders urged the school managements to keep schools closed on June 6 so as to avoid inconvenience to the student community.
Anacleto Viegas, in his address, stressed on the need to educate the people about the harm that will be caused to the state`s identity, if English is allowed to be made the medium of instruction in primary schools.
Bhiku Pai Angle, Prashant Naik, Maruti Karmali were among those who addressed the gathering.