BJP extends support for rasta, rail roko agitation at Pernem

Panaji, Apr 17 (UNI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today announced its support to the bandh in Pernam called by All Party Mopa Nirdhar Samiti and said the party would participate in a rasta roko and rail roko agitation to demand an early completion of Mopa airport project in north Goa.

BJP opposition leader Manohar Parrikar told media persons here that students, teachers had been exempted from this bandh. He further said that essential commodities like milk and medicines will not be affected.

He added that all the villagers from Pernem had also lent their support to the agitation in favour of Mopa project.

Parrikar said BJP would launch an awarenss campaign among the the people of Goa to get rid of south Goa MP Churchill Alemao who was spearheading the anti-Mopa campaign in the state and would explain the economic benefits of the airport project to the people.

He said detailed programme of the 'Abhiyan' would be chalked out in a couple of days by Goa party president Rajendra Arlekar and MP Shripad Naik and the it would be carried out all over the state including Salcete in south Goa.

''The proposed Mopa airport is not a replacement for Dabolim Airport. Mopa airport is private and Dabolim Airport cannot be closed. It is a naval airport and it will continue,'' he said.

We want Dabolim to be retained but at the same time, the government should go ahead with the proposed international Mopa Airport as it is required for the future requirement of the state.

Mopa Airport can help increase the state tourism, Mr Parrikar added.

UNI SRN KU PA GC1919