Govt will not compromise on security: Minister
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, DEC 11
Uncertainty prevails over acquisition of two islands, St George and Pequeno, off Arabian Sea off Baina coast, as Defense Minister for State M M Pallam Raju on Saturday stated that the government will not compromise on security issues.
Raju, who is in the State to commission the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Vijit in the Indian Coast Guard at GSL Vasco, was addressing the media.
When informed that there has been strong resentment among the fishermen and people of Goa over Indian Navy’s move to acquire the two islands, Raju said: “The government is very sensitive to the locals need, but at the same time, we will not compromise on security issues.”
The Navy officials in Goa had expressed their willingness to take over two islands – St George islands and Bimbvel Beach, citing security reasons.
South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha, who was also present during the press conference, said security aspect of the country cannot be compromised.
He assured that they (MPs) would protect the interests of Goan people and there is no need to worry about it as they have been pursing the matter with the defense minister.
