THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar met senior Naval officials, including the Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area (FOGA), on Wednesday to discuss locals’ concerns over potential restrictions to religious sites near Varunapuri.
The issue involves the Ram Mandir, Kali Temple, and an Orthodox Syrian Church, located close together in a civilian area. Salkar said the Navy had indicated plans to close gates and limit public access, sparking fears among devotees.
“This is not a defence operational area and poses no security threat. The temples and church have been here for over 50 years,” Salkar told the media. "There was an earlier access issue with the Navy behind these temples which had even reached the courts. I had then intervened and brought both parties to the table, where we arrived at a settlement and agreed on a (MoU). Now, suddenly, there’s a new threat of access being blocked again.”
Salkar noted that two Navy quarters nearby are unoccupied and being demolished, stressing that locals cannot enter any Naval premises from this area.
He said the move would especially impact senior citizens and persons with disabilities, calling it “unjustified.” He raised concerns over the Navy’s suggestion for devotees to park on the nearby highway and walk, warning it was unsafe and impractical.
While acknowledging the importance of defence security, Salkar said public access to places of worship must also be protected. He requested that the Navy hold off on any closures until the issue is raised with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
As a possible solution, Salkar proposed a land exchange: the State could acquire the current property with the old Naval buildings and offer the Navy an alternate site.
The FOGA agreed to visit the site. Salkar said he hopes for a “win-win” resolution that respects both national security and the religious rights of the community.
