Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa
Mapusa, Jan 28: The Goa Kul Mundkar Sangarsh Samiti has demanded that the proposed Indian Racing Festival, scheduled to be held at the premises of Manohar International Airport, Mopa, be cancelled, stating that farmers and local residents are strongly opposed to the event.
Addressing the media, members of the Samiti alleged that farmers were “misled” during the land acquisition process for the construction of the Mopa airport and are still awaiting adequate compensation.
Samiti member Dipesh Naik claimed that several farmers have not received 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 alleged.
He further claimed that there are 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 said.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had recently announced that the Indian Racing Festival will be held on February 14 and 15 at the Mopa airport premises.
Executive member of the Samiti, Santosh Mandrekar, said 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.
He maintained that residents of Pernem are opposed to the racing event and will not permit it to be held, alleging that the government had betrayed the people of Pernem during the airport land acquisition process.
“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.
Samiti executive member Narayan Gadekar and farmers’ committee member Suresh were also present during the press interaction.