TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: Even as Goans for Dabolim Only is bracing up to take the anti-movement in North Goa from Sunday, GFDO Convenor Fr Eremito Rebello on Saturday said the movement would continue its ongoing battle against the Goa government, warning that the Parrikar government would face the consequences in the coming polls.
“The prime minister’s office or the Centre may sanction any number of Greenfield airports in Goa. But, the ball is in the court of the local government. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and his Cabinet should take a decision on the issue,” Fr Rebello said, when his reaction was sought on Prime Minister’s Office sanctioning Greenfield Airports across the country, including one in Goa.
Fr Rebello warned that the Parrikar government would be doomed if it did not accede to its demand for the scrapping of the Mopa airport.
“Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind that our movement will not stop. We are having our first meeting in North Goa at St Estevam at 10.30 am. We are not going to be cowed down by statements emanating from various quarters and we will continue our agitation till our demands are met,” he asserted.
Replying to a question, he said the ball is in the court of the Goa government and the Parrikar cabinet can very well take a decision to scrap Mopa. “When a GFDO delegation met South Goa district Collector and the Chief Secretary with our demand for stopping construction work on the parking land at Dabolim, the duo said the matter is not in their hands. We are now convinced that it’s the government which has to take a call. Let me tell you, the future of the government will be at stake if it does not bow down to the popular sentiments of Goans by scrapping the Mopa airport,” he warned.
“The people of Goa are with us. Even in the North, our movement has received tremendous support. Even politicians have expressed their support to the movement,” he said.
