protested at Azad Maidan, demanding the DefExpo and Aero show slated for March be cancelled. Keri Nagrik Kruti Sammittee (KNKS) also protested at the same place on the same issue.
OPA spokesperson Freddy Fernandes said, “We have held rallies in several places now, and many panchayats have agreed to unite against the DefExpo being held in Goa. The government and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will have to listen to the people of the State.”
OPA questioned why the Defence Minister is adamant on holding the DefExpo in Goa, when the people will not benefit from the event. “Parrikar has only proposed that the DefExpo be held in Goa on the basis of Mopa, as Naqueri doesn’t have the requirements to hold the event,” Fernandes said.
OPA claimed that the people will not benefit from the event and therefore they are against the event being held in the State. Fernandes also said the people will protest until there is proper communication on the issue. He suggested that the government buy land and use it for the benefit of the people such as for housing, education, etc. OPA stated that if the government continues to ignore their demand, they will stage more protests.
Meanwhile KNKS claimed that ‘parrots’ of the BJP have been ruling over Goa and troubling the citizens.
The KNKS protest was led by activist Swati Kerkar along with residents of Keri-Ponda demanding a proper discussion with government officials and Parrikar about the land being used for the event.
KNKS member Veto Gomes said, “Firstly, DefExpo is an event that can only be beneficial to the Army, and the Navy. The event is specially organised for the military. Therefore if it really needs to be organised in Goa, the land should be taken on rent or the event should be held in the halls or grounds already available.”
KNKS demanded a proper justified reason on the need for the event in Goa. They stated that Parrikar should not return to Goa and questioned the politicians on how much personal ‘supari’ they are getting from different authorities that they continue to trouble the people of Goa in varied ways.
