India, Sept. 20 -- Serene Goa, small in size but rich in heritage, has long witnessed alarms raised by activists over land conversion, leading to mega-resorts and unchecked development-a grievance that cuts across party lines.

While national attention is on politically significant Bihar, quietly on India's western coast, a turbulence is brewing in the small state of Goa, wheresusegad-a relaxed, contented way of life marked by siestas, music, and a laid-back pace-is being challenged by rapid urbanisation, land conversions, and political unrest. Activists and ordinary Goans are now taking to the streets to protect their rights and heritage.

The spark

The immediate trigger was the assault on social activist Rama Kankonkar in Panaji, where...