From Sanjay Borkar in Ponda for Daijiworld News Network

Ponda, Jun 18: With an aim to maintain peace and communal harmony in the villages, so as not to have repeat of Sanvordem – Curchorem like riot incidents, 8 village-level peace committees are formed under the chairmanship of deputy collector of Ponda Deepak Desai.
 
These peace committees will not only try to keep peace and communal harmony in the society, but will also take active part to face eventualities, like natural calamities within the jurisdiction, said Desai while addressing a meeting.

Illegal extensions of religious places can spark off communal tensions, but this can be curbed if such developments are brought to the notice of the committees, he said further.

Desai also told that the former MLAs, school headmasters, freedom fighters and prominent people of the locality will be included in these committees.

Chairperson of the Ponda Municipal Council Manoj Keni suggested that religious leaders of all communities should also be taken as members in these peace committees.

Mamlatdars, Sarpanch and Panchayat Secretaries of Ponda Taluk were present for the meeting held at Government Multiplex Complex here.