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Peace returns to Goa

Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panaji

Goa remained calm today, even as an amicable solution to the controversial Meta Strips issue seemed in sight with the state government agreeing to stop all activity at the factory with immediate effect

No cases of violence were reported today. Cops were deployed in several sensitive areas of south Goa in order to tackle any eventuality.

However, the Anti Meta Strips Action Committee, or AMSAC, -- which agreed to have talks once the factory is closed -- is continuing with the indefinite hunger strike. The stir entered its 11th day today.

Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister Francisco Sardinha has convened yet another emergency cabinet meeting to work out modalities of the closure of the factory.

The government and the AMSAC also agreed to keep only one gate open for the securitymen who would be allowed inside. A monitoring committee has also been set up to implement it.

The AMSAC has not yet said anything about the experts' committee set up to study the alleged pollution the factory.

The government has suggested that the committee have three representatives of the AMSAC, two each from the government and Meta Strips, and at least three experts from national institutes of repute, like the National Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, or NEERI.

Meanwhile, the opposition Congress party has held the Bharatiya Janata Party -- part of the Sardinha-led coalition government in Goa - responsible for 'worsening the situation by withdrawing support to the agitation'.

Manohar Parrikar, the BJP spokesman, refuted the charges stating that his party is still in favour of a probe into the pollution angle by an independent body.

Prohibitory orders passed in Goa as violence escalates

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