India, Jan. 16 -- AUGUSTO RODRIGUES

Even as Panjim, the capital, wit nessed uproarious protests against the Unity Mall - with demonstrators march ing towards the Assembly in session - another protest, equally spirited though far removed from the seat of power, unfolded in the hin terland. Along the northern coastal belt, under the glow of lit torches, people once again asserted that solidar ity is their only weapon to browbeat an unresponsive government. Over 900 people - youth, women and men - gath ered for the second torch light march in Pernem talu ka in less than a month, this time demanding that the long-pending 100-bedded hospital at Tuem, meant to be attached to Goa Medical College, be made operational. From 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm, vi...