Did you know on this day 23 Goans were killed in Margao

A BLACK DAY

One Hundred thirty-four years-ago, 23 innocent Goans lost their lives and over 500 injured, when they went to cast their votes at the Camara Municipal de Salcete in Margao.

TESTAMENT TO COURAGE

On September 21, 1890, the building was a testimony to defiance against colonial powers to foil a brazen attempt to rig elections, when a local contested against a candidate imposed by the Portuguese.

TRAGIC

Twenty-three innocent people lost their lives after soldiers were ordered to fire on a crowd of 4,000-6,000 gathered to vote. The bullet shots are still seen on the house of Dr Salvador Alvares.

PILLAR OF GOVERNANCE

When it was established in the 1770s, the building was known as the Senado de Camara (Municipal Senate) and held jurisdiction over the entire taluka.

HISTORIC MOMENT

Margao was elevated to the status of a town on April 3, 1778 and the senate was raised to a municipality around 1822-24.

NEW CHAPTER

The building was sold in 1909, and the municipality was shifted to the current building in Margao.

RESTORE & REMEMBER

The building, now in a dilapidated state, is a poignant reminder of its storied past. Restoring it to its former glory is essential to honour the legacy it represents and learn from the past.

NEXT: What is Goa's 'susegad'? It's beyond what you think!