The Catholic Church, usually reticent when it comes to political issues, has come out in support of Vasai-Virar villagers.
After the Harit Vasai andolan, to protect Vasai’s forests from builder sharks, the Church has now taken a stand on the exclusion of villages from Vasai and Virar Municipal Corporations.
The residents of 53 villages have come together to oppose the formation of Vasai Municipal Corporation in their villages. The people’s struggle has been led by legislator Vivek Pandit under the Gaon bachao jan andolan samiti.
DNA is in possession of a letter dated April 14, written by Archbishop Felix Machado to chief minister Ashok Chavan. Machado has expressed anguish over police attacks on villagers in early March.
“The police attacks on innocent villagers protesting under Vasai Jan Andolan should be condemned,” writes archbishop Machado.
He has even given Chavan some advice. “The sentiments of the people need to be heard and respected in a democracy. However, seeing the developments till now, it seems the administration has failed to take care of people’s welfare,” the anguished archbishop said.
“People of all religions have always lived together in Vasai and have preserved Marathi culture and tradition. These people have also protected nature, which the state can be proud of. They expect that their area be protected. It is distressing to see that the government has in fact taken steps contrary to this,” the archbishop wrote.
When DNA spoke to chief minister Ashok Chavan, he said, “I will have to read the letter before I can comment.” However, he added, “We held an all-party meeting recently and all members agreed to exclude 35 villages from VMC which we have done. There is no issue or controversy over this. We gave given the issue proper thought before issuing a notification. The green belt has been protected and agricultural lands excluded, so now there is no issue. the archbishop may have written on behalf of the people.”
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