the goan I network
VASCO
A group of residents of Vasco on Monday hit out at activists and politicians for targeting Urban Development Minister Milind Naik on the naphtha issue confronting the grounded tanker Nu Shi
Nalini.
They also demanded an investigation and legal action against Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Councillor Nilesh Navelkar, who also manages Barbados Maritime Agencies Pvt Ltd (BMAPL), the shipping agent for the grounded MT Nu Shi Nalini, while the vessel was at Mormugao Port Trust
(MPT).
Speaking to reports, aggrieved locals said everyone, including politicians , NGOs and activists, had begun pointing fingers at Urban Development Minister Milind Naik, alleging his role in bringing the ship to MPT for political
gains.
Warning that they would not take such allegations lightly, the locals threatened a big morcha if NGOs and activists tried to blame Naik again in the issue.
“There have been reports that the vessel had met with an accident at Cochin port and none of the ports accepted the vessel. It was only because of BMAPL that the unmanned vessel landed at MPT, threatening the port and residents in the locality and causing heavy losses to the state and central exchequer,” said a local,
Nanu Khajnekar.
“We have, therefore, appealed for an investigation into BMAPL and Navelkar, while also demanding necessary legal action against them for endangering the environment of the State,” said Khajnekar, adding that copies of the memorandum had been submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office, deputy collector, Harbour Coastal police station and Mormugao police station.
Added another resident, Prajay Mayekar: “We have gathered for our MLA Milind Naik, who is being targeted by political forces and activists. All these NGOs , activists and political leaders along with a few people are operating a racket to defame t
he MLA.”
Another resident, Sanjay Parab warned that their patience is running out and they should not be held responsible if they start acting against these NGOs, activists and Congress leaders who are targeting Milind Naik without reason.
MMC Councillor Nilesh Navelkar, who is presently out of station, was unavailable for comments, but his office staff informed reporters that Navelkar was likely to address a news conference on his arrival in the State.
