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AS IT HAPPENED
* Parsekar along with some ministers and local politicians arrives at the proposed site of DefExpo
* Expecting the CM's visit, locals from Quittol and other places start raising anti-DefExpo slogans
* Slogans like 'Maka-Naka, Tuka-Naka DefExpo, Nakach-Naka' are raised by the agitating villagers
* CM remains unmoved by the hue and cry over he proposed event; refuses to meet the protestors
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QUITTOL SARPANCH PITCHES
FOR DEFEXPO, AERO SHOW
>> See pg 2
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NOC FROM AGRI
DEPT TO CUT
COCONUT TREE!
PANAJI: The State Government might look at the option of No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the agriculture department to cut coconut tree
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a function in Panaji, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said, “The department will have to certify whether the tree is infected, or too old or needs to be replaced. This could be done.”
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CURCHOREM: Refusing to buckle under pressure from opponents of DefExpo, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Friday made it loud and clear that the event would take place "come what may". The Chief Minister was at Quittol, on his maiden visit to the site of the proposed DefExpo.
Parsekar was accompanied by Industries Minister Mahadev Naik, Agriculture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, MLAs from nearby constituencies and BJP supporters. Parsekar refused to meet or talk to the agitators, who are opposing DefExpo and aero show project.
During his brief visit, Parsekar minced no words on staging of the global event at the end of March, sending a strong message to the agitators.
According to reports, around 12 noon about 400 villagers from Quittol, Velim, Canaguinim, Betul, Naqueri, Khola, Chichinim and nearby places gathered at the propose site of the DefExpo to protest in view of Parsekar's expected visit.
A van of IRB battalion consisting of about 120 personnel was deputed at the site along with senior police officers, equipped to deal with law and order situation.
At about 3 pm, when Parsekar along with Mahadev Naik, Tawadkar, Cuncolim MLA Rajan Naik, Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldessai, Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, Quittol-Fatorpa Panchayat members and BJP supporters reached the proposed site, the agitators started raising slogans like 'Maka-Naka, Tuka-Naka DefExpo, Nakach-Naka'. The chief minister remained unmoved by the hue and cry and refused to meet the protestors.
Speaking to media persons, Parsekar said he visited the site to see the area where the DefExpo is scheduled to be organised.
When asked about the protest against DefExpo, Parsekar said: “The DefExpo project is organised by Indian Defence force and not Pakistan or rival country. We must be proud of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who brought this project to Goa.”
To an query on permanent venue, Parsekar cited the example of IFFI, saying Goa has been declared as a permanent venue for the film festival. “Sunburn is an electronic dance music organised every year in Goa for few days and rest of the year the venue is utilised for other purpose. Similarly, the DefExpo will be held only for four days and that too after every two years,” he explained.
He said five star hotels have been booked and local restaurants, hotels and taxi cabs, etc, will earn revenue from DefExpo. “It will be beneficial for the locals,” he said and made it clear that the temple of Alare Ajoba at Quittol won't be closed during DefExpo and the locals will be allowed to visit the temple as usual.
“The protestors were given a chance to interact and clear their doubts at the meeting with the collector and other officials of DefExpo, but they refused to listen.”
“The agitators have made up their mind not to allow DefExpo at Quittol-Betul area, but we cannot change their mindset and opinion if they are purposely opposing it out of speculation that it will be permanently given for DefExpo,” Parsekar added.
