TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Governor Bharat Vir Wanchoo addressed the seminar on ‘Structuring and Strengthening Regional Security Mechanisms and Cooperative Framework to meet Maritime Security Challenge’ on November 21 at the Naval War College at Vasco.
He said he has witnessed national security issues from close quarters as he was in the Intelligence Bureau and the Special Protection Group. “I, therefore, consider it a matter of great satisfaction to participate in events that are integrally connected to our national security and safety efforts,” he said.
He said it may not be possible to attain a state of total peace due to narrow selfish objectives, hatred and bitterness, turmoil and trouble and other nations’ hidden agenda. He said that it is his belief that States must address their differences through discussion and negotiation and settle conflicts by mutual give-and-take. “Unfortunately, people on account of their prejudices, suspicion, distrust and divergent ambitions are often tempted to exhibit hatred, destructive tendencies, violence and upheavals. It is in this background, nations have no option but to prepare themselves to the extent possible and remain in readiness with its defence and security mechanisms so as to maintain their national unity and territorial integrity.
He said maritime threats and challenges also involve Maritime piracy, drugs, arms and human trafficking, terrorism, unreported and illegal fishing and maritime pollution as well as natural disasters.
The Governor said that in the past our country suffered immensely under foreign rule, and attained freedom after much sacrifice and struggle by freedom fighters. “After Independence too, we had occasions to face serious threats to our national unity and territorial integrity. These developments made us rightly realize the importance of building up our defence and security forces in order to maintain the safety and security of our country. Over the years, we have been able to further strengthen our defence forces and today, we can rightfully claim that our Armed Forces are among the best and the most professional in the world. We cannot, however, afford to rest on our laurels and we need to be aware and conscious of the fact that there is still scope for a lot of improvement and advancement. It is, therefore, reassuring that we are constantly renewing, restructuring and strengthening our defence.
