PERNEM
Taxi operators have threatened an agitation outside the government administrative complex in Pernem on February 14, if the State government fails to provide a black-and-yellow taxi stand at the Manohar International Airport at Mopa.
The taxi operators submitted a memorandum to this effect to the Deputy Collector’s office in Pernem.
The taxi operators claimed that the State government had acquired land from farmers living in Ugave, Varkhand, Torse, Chandel and Kasarvarne areas of Pernem taluka for the Mopa International Airport project.
They alleged that these farmers have not been offered any employment or business opportunities, while those who have black-and-yellow taxies should be offered an opportunity to do business at the airport area.
“We submitted written proposals, discussed with the Chief Minister through our MLA, wherein the CM promised to give us a blue taxi stand instead of the black-and-yellow. But this promise also was not fulfilled. Now, we have lost our patience and want to protest to the streets. If any untoward incident happens, the government will be held responsible,” warned Bhaskar Narulkar.
Uday Mahale said their future course of action would be decided on the day of the dharna.
Uday Mahale stated that the farmers have lost their land, but have not received any proper compensation.
Gajanan Gadkar accused the State government of imposing Section 144 to prevent them from agitating near the airport.
“But we Pednekars will not allow this unfair treatment and we will step out of our homes and act now,” he warned.
