Locals, political leaders and activists in Pernem protested outside the Kasarvarne Kasarvarne office on Tuesday.
PERNEM
Locals in Pernem protested outside the Kasarvarne panchayat office on Tuesday, questioning the existence of Manohar International Airport at Mopa and demanding jobs and justice.
The protestors, under the banner of Mopa Pidit Jan Sanghatana, warned that if the local educated unemployed youth are not given jobs at the airport and related services, they will intensify their agitation.
The protest was led by social activist Uday Mahale and supported by various social workers and political parties.
Those present included social worker Tara Kerkar, Congress State president Amit Patkar, North Goa Congress secretary Adv Jitendra Gaonkar, Mandre Congress block committee president Narayan Redkar, Shankar Po, Krishna Naik, Taxi Association’s Bhaskar Narulkar, Kasarvarne Sarpanch Avani Gad, Dr Vasudev Prabhu, Dipesh Naik, and representatives from Mission for Locals, along with other sarpanches.
Congress State president Amit Patkar accused the Goa government of misleading the people. He pointed out the BJP is allegedly planning to establish a gambling zone in the area.
Patkar questioned Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s involvement in supporting such activities.
He claimed that Sawant is allowing Delhi businessmen to buy 3.5 lakh square metres of land in Dhargal to start a gambling zone, which will likely be followed by the sale of alcohol.
Patkar blamed the current BJP government for making false promises and misleading the public.
“The government has failed over the last 12 years. It’s time for the people of Pernem to stand up, take to the streets, and demand justice,” Patkar urged, offering his full support to the protest. He also promised to raise the issue in the Lok Sabha through South Goa MP.
Adv Jitendra Gaonkar alleged that vehicles operating from the airport are owned by people from outside Goa.
He added that no jobs have been offered to the locals, and farmers have not received compensation for their land. He vowed to continue the protest until justice is served.
