Team Herald
VASCO: Goencho Avaaz Party on Wednesday urged State government to value people’s will against controversial Mopa airport issue.
Press statement issued by the party claimed that Goan community is subjected to bear the brunt of the government’s intransigence, incompetence and anti-people policies. He cites woes of Pernem residents, who suffered lathi charges by the police.
Swapnesh Sherlekar, president of Goencho Avaaz Party said ‘’The government of Goa has a unique talent of angering nearly every section of the Goan populace by foisting upon them decisions and disruptive policies that are detrimental to their welfare and way of life. Why does the government always give precedence to the vested interests of casinos, corporate and land sharks over the welfare of people of this State? Time and time again, the government is compelling people to come out on the streets to safeguard their rights. When it is clearly apparent that the people of Goa are not interested in an airport and casinos in Mopa, why is this adamant government bulldozing it through? I would like to take this opportunity to remind Dr. Sawant that developmental projects need to be undertaken only with the approval, blessings and sanction of the people” Sherlekar added.
The party claimed that people are living under tremendous pressure and insecurity ever since the government arbitrarily and capriciously decided to acquire their land for a link road to GMR’s controversial Mopa airport. It condemned the government’s high-handedness in proceeding with the demarcation of the people’s land under police protection, despite their desperate cries of protests.
Captain Viriato Fernandes, State Convenor of Goencho Avaaz Party said, “It is somewhat ironic that this government, which is clearly incapable of managing and controlling the Coronavirus crisis, instead seems more inclined to focus on projects that people are vehemently opposing.”
“We urge Dr. Sawant to let the will of the people prevail and to respect the wishes of the people. Lives of Goans cannot be so cruelly disrupted to serve the profit motive of vested interests‘’ he added.
