MAPUSA
The Goa Kul Mundkar Sangarsh Samiti has demanded the cancellation of the proposed Indian Racing Festival scheduled to be held at the Mopa airport premises, stating that farmers and locals strongly oppose the event.
Members of the Samiti alleged that farmers were deceived during the acquisition of land for the construction of the Manohar International Airport at Mopa and are yet to receive adequate compensation.
Samiti member Dipesh Naik claimed that several farmers have not been paid their rightful compensation even years after their land was acquired.
“The farmers have been cheated. Many have not received proper compensation, and some have not received any payment at all. Now the government is talking about five-star hotels and organising racing events on the same land,” Naik said.
He further alleged that there were plans to introduce gaming and other commercial projects in the Mopa airport area.
“We will not allow unnecessary events at the airport premises. If the government insists on holding such events, it should return the land to the farmers. The festival can be taken to Sanquelim or Valpoi,” he added.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had recently announced that the Indian Racing Festival will be held on February 14 and 15 at the Mopa airport.
Executive member of the samiti, Santosh Mandrekar, said that the festival was earlier proposed to be held in Mormugao but was cancelled following strong public opposition.
“People across the State are opposing projects and events planned by this government. When people oppose them in one place, why does the government shift them to another location? Do they think the people of Pernem will allow this festival?” Mandrekar questioned.
Mandrekar said residents of Pernem are opposed to the racing event and will not permit it to be held. He alleged that the government had betrayed the people of Pernem during the land acquisition process for the airport.
“If the people do not want the event, why is the government forcing it upon them? The government should inform villagers transparently instead of attempting to bring in such events quietly,” he said.
Goa Kul Mundkar Sangarsh Samiti executive member Narayan Gadekar and farmers’ committee member Suresh were also present at the press interaction.
