Hundreds of protesters opposing the holding of Defence Expo at Betul in south Goa today blocked the trucks carrying construction material to the site.
Defence Minister and former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had announced that 'Def Expo 2016' will be held at Betul but the locals are opposed to it, fearing "they would lose their lands permanently" to the Defence Ministry.
Three trucks loaded with material required for fencing were sent back by a crowd today. "There were at least 300 people at the site. We have decided that Expo will not be allowed to be held at Betul. This is an attempt to grab the land," said Freddy Fernandes of Orixtt Porjecho Avaz, a local group, speaking to PTI.
The government did not take the local people into confidence before finalising the site, he claimed.
Local Congress MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar and Independent MLA Vijai Sardessai were present among the protesters, who began to arrive at the site from early morning.
"They are planning to lay foundation stone for the infrastructure tomorrow. That will not be allowed," Fernandes said.
This is the second time the attempt to start work at the Expo site has faced resistance. On February 15, protesters sent back district officials went to inspect the site, following which Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar warned that FIRs will be filed against those opposing the Expo.
The Defence Minister had last month rubbished criticism from certain sections that land was being acquired for the event. He had also said that eight states had shown interest in organising the Expo but Goa was selected.
"There will be no land acquisition to host Defexpo. It will be held in temporary structure where the defence equipment would be on display," Parrikar had said.
Sardessai alleged that Parrikar had been summoning police and government officers and others to Delhi and giving them instructions to continue with preparations.
"There is a picture on the Facebook where superintendent of police (south) Shekhar Prabhudessai is seen (with Parrikar). The collector was also summoned to Delhi," the MLA said.
