The tense political standoff at Azad Maidan has finally reached a peaceful conclusion as St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar and prominent local activist Tushar Gawas officially ended their indefinite hunger strike on its sixth day. The duo accepted refreshments to break their fast surrounded by a large gathering of emotional supporters, terminating a critical phase of the ongoing land-zoning agitation.
The decision to call off the protest came immediately after the agitators received an official communication from the state administration. The formal letter, issued by the North Goa Collector, provided a concrete administrative resolution that the protesters had been demanding. The document explicitly confirmed the temporary suspension of all contentious Section 39A change-of-zone cases within the St Andre constituency.
Following the explicit assurances conveyed through the legally binding formal order, the two leaders decided it was appropriate to call off their fast. The hunger strike had garnered immense traction over the week, drawing thousands of citizens, environmentalists, and opposition leaders to the protest site to voice solidarity against rapid land conversions.
While the suspension of the zone changes marks a significant tactical victory for the St Andre constituency, leaders emphasized that the broader battle against the TCP Act amendments remains active. Borkar stated that while the immediate fast has ended, their vigilance regarding land preservation and legislative accountability will continue unabated during the upcoming assembly sessions.
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