Team Herald
PONDA: Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, on Saturday, said the Defence Ministry should consider handing over the remaining portion of Kranti Maidan to Ponda Municipal Council.
He was speaking after offering floral tributes at the Martyrs Memorial at Kranti Maidan, Ponda on the occasion of Goa Revolution Day. Sports Minister Govind Gaude, freedom fighters, officials, citizens and students were present on the occasion.
Ravi said several freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Goa. “We can’t forget freedom fighters and their sacrifice for liberating Goa which saw lot of development post liberation. If all religions come together we will be able to see more development in the State. The Central government has also contributed a lot for the development of Goa,” said Ravi.
Ravi recalled that during his stint as chief minister, he had discussed Kranti Maidan land issue with then Defence Minister Sharad Pawar and then Army General Sunith Rodrigues following which the Defence Ministry returned a part of Kranti Maidan to the Ponda Municipal Council.
“However, a major portion of the Kranti Maidan still is in the possession of the Defence Ministry which should now consider handing over the remaining portion of the Maidan to the Ponda Municipal Council,” he said.
“After democracy was established in Portugal its President Mario Soares came to Goa and visited Kranti Maidan. We need to preserve the Kranti Maidan,” Ravi added.
