Navy to Goa: Give us island or secure flying path

[thestringshredder]

If Goa government does not allow the Navy to take possession of St George island, off Baina beach, then the state will have to be responsible for security of aircraft flying path above the island, Navy officials have told state government representatives.

Flag officer commanding Goa, rear admiral BS Parhar told TOI that Navy wants possession of the island for security reasons as the flying path of planes using Dabolim airport passes above St George island.

Parhar said two years back intelligence bureau (IB) following a survey recommended that Navy should take possession of the island for security reasons. Navy had then submitted its request to the Goa government but it was not granted.

The issue came up for discussion again on Wednesday at a joint meeting convened by the government. Along with representatives of the Navy, the meeting was also attended by deputy chief minister Francis D’Souza, power minister Milind Naik, Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho, Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida and other government officials.

Sources said that when Navy officials pressed for the acquisition of the islands stating that the islands are of strategic importance, the response of the state’s representatives was that entire Goa is of strategic importance.

Sources said the three MLAs present at the meeting objected to the takeover of the island by the Navy. When contacted Godinho, said there is no question of giving possession of the island to Navy. “Two years ago people of the area organized a huge morcha to register their opposition to the move. Navy just wants to grab land citing security reasons,” Godinho said.

Almeida said the Goa coastal police could take care of the security as Navy taking possession of the island will impose restriction on the movement of civilians. Naik too was of the view that since there are objections from locals it would not be right to hand over the island to Navy but admitted that the security aspect has to be thrashed out.

There are shrines belonging to the Hindu and Christian communities on the island and many people visit it during their annual feasts. The island is also frequented by tourists and locals. Part of the 130-acre island is occupied by the Navy.

A government official who was present at Wednesday’s meeting said all activities of the people will be curtailed if Navy is given possession of the island and that the government is not in favour of handing over the island to the Navy.

Link - Navy to Goa: Give us island or secure flying path | idrw.org