St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar on Friday called off his six-day hunger strike at Azad Maidan after receiving official communication suspending all provisional and final land conversion proposals under Section 39A in his constituency with immediate effect.
The letter, issued on the letterhead of the Chief Town Planner, was handed over by North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav. The revised communication clarified the meaning of the term “suspension,” which Borkar had sought earlier in the day.
The Collector had initially visited the protest site with a letter in the evening. However, Borkar declined to accept it, stating that further clarification was required. A fresh communication incorporating the requested details was subsequently delivered.
Before formally withdrawing the agitation, Borkar sought the consent of villagers from Siridao-Palem, who had led and consistently supported the protest. Following their approval, he announced the end of the fast. Co-protester Tushar Gawas also ended his hunger strike.
Describing the movement as a “second fight for freedom,” Borkar broke his fast with prasad from the Sateri temple. Environmental activists Claude Alvares and Norma Alvares were present at the protest site and had provided legal guidance during the agitation.
Borkar thanked supporters across Goa and overseas, particularly women from the constituency, including small vendors, who had participated in large numbers. He also acknowledged the support of party leaders and Opposition members.
The MLA said the Chief Minister had spoken to him and assured that cases filed against villagers would not be pursued. He expressed hope that Section 39A would be debated in the upcoming Assembly session and repealed statewide.
Borkar warned that protests would resume in a stronger form if the provision is not scrapped by the Assembly.
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