TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: While assuring that he would direct the navy to give more importance to Dabolim international airport as a civilian airport, Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said that shifting the Indian Navy from Dabolim will be “anti-national”.
Addressing media persons Wednesday evening in Panjim, on his return to the state for the first time after being sworn into the Union cabinet, Parrikar said that the Defence Ministry would take the necessary steps to ensure that Dabolim airport functions to its fullest capacity.
“Why should I disclose everything now? I will do everything for Dabolim airport,” he said when asked whether the navy would be directed to provide additional land for expansion of the airport.
“Shifting the navy from Dabolim will be anti-national. But I will ensure that civilian operations are given more importance by the navy,” he stated. The defence minister has called for a meeting of naval officers in Goa to discuss the contentious Dabolim airport issue on Friday.
Parrikar was accorded a grand welcome by BJP workers at Dabolim and Panjim. Addressing the crowd in Panjim, the defence minister said that India need not worry about China and Pakistan, if the country builds up its defence capabilities over the next three years.
“I have realized that if someone heads the Defence Ministry properly then we need not worry about Pakistan and China. We are strong enough and we have to build our capabilities over the next three years,” he said.
Later speaking to media persons, Parrikar said that his main focus would be upgrading the infrastructure and facilities of the defence forces in border areas. “Better infrastructure to the army and better equipment to the armed forces are my top most priorities,” he said adding that most of the defence deals were stuck due to lobbying, vested interest and kickbacks during the UPA led Congress regime.
No Z-plus security in Goa: Parrikar
PANJIM: Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has declined Z-plus security cover in Goa, while also refusing to travel by defence aircraft to his native state.
Parrikar, who arrived in Goa on a private airline was accompanied by one security person and a few local police. “I have said no to Z-plus security at least in Goa,” he said. “I have to take Z-plus security while traveling in Delhi and other border states that too at the instance of family,” he added.
Parrikar during his two-and-half-year tenure as chief minister had refused Z-plus cover. “I traveled by private airline. I will use defence aircraft only when it is extremely required,” he said.
Parrikar may be inducted in BJP parliamentary board
NEW DELHI: Manohar Parrikar may also be inducted in the BJP parliamentary board, the highest decision-making body of the party. Sources said Parrikar may be accommodated by taking resignation of either Ananth Kumar or Thawarchand Gehlot. It is learnt that the RSS has suggested induction of Parrikar to contribute to key decisions. In his capacity as the defence minister, Parrikar will be also inducted in the cabinet committee on security (CCS) headed by the prime minister.
