Goa SC/ST Commission Chairperson Intervenes in Opa, Khandepar Cremation Rights Dispute
Opa, Khandepar: Shri Deepak Karmalkar, Chairperson of the Goa Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, recently visited Opa, Khandepar, following a complaint filed by Jaiwant Audo Gaude and other local villagers. The complaint was against officials allegedly denying them their traditional right to use a cremation site that they have been utilizing for many years.
After hearing the grievances of the villagers, Shri Karmalkar directed the Forest Department officials not to obstruct the cremation process until the matter is officially resolved. He further instructed that all concerned parties, including the Forest Department, Panchayat, and the affected villagers, should take necessary steps to find a permanent solution to the issue.
The intervention by the SC/ST Commission Chairperson has provided a sense of relief to the villagers, who were distressed over the restrictions imposed on their traditional cremation ground. The issue now awaits further resolution through discussions among the concerned authorities.
