If there is any activity to set up any structure of DefExpo at Betul, we will protest and stop it, as the government is yet to have a dialogue with OPA and locals of Betul. Though we have convened a special public meeting at Betul on February 28, if work of DefExpo begins on February 25, they will have to face the wrath of the public."
Freddy Fernandes, OPA Secretary
Structures for DefExpo: govt warned of peoples' wrath
OPA says no activity will be allowed till govt holds dialogue
THE GOAN NETWORK
CURCHOREM
Reacting to reports that the makeshift structure for the proposed DefExpo at Betul would start from February 25, the Orixtt Porjecho Awaz (OPA) has threatened to prevent any DefExpo development work at Betul until the government holds a dialogue with OPA and the locals.
OPA secretary Freddy Fernandes was responding to reports that work to set up makeshift structure for Defence Expo at Betul would start from February 25, while over 800 companies from 44 countries had registered for the DefExpo and aero show event, to be organised in March.
“We will not allow any development of DefExpo and aero show at Betul until the government holds a dialogue with OPA and the locals. The OPA along with locals from Betul and nearby villages will not allow any development at Betul,” said Fernandes.
“If there is any activity to set up any structure of DefExpo at Betul, we will protest and stop it, as the government is yet to have a dialogue with OPA and locals of Betul.”
“Though we have convened a special public meeting at Betul on February 28, we are conducting continuous surveillance of the Betul plateau. If work on a makeshift structure of DefExpo is likely to begin on February 25, they will have to face the wrath of the public,” warned Fernandes.
