'If defence expo in Goa cancelled, it would embarrass Centre'

Panaji, Jan 3: The Defence Ministry had said that if Goa refused to facilitate Defence Exposition (DefExpo) in the state this year, it would embarrass the Centre, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar noted on Sunday.

The Defence Secretary has written to the Goa government asking it to hold the DefExpo in Goa for this year while the decision for the next year could be taken later, he said.

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"The union ministry has said this year we can't shift the venue. It is only for four days. If we do that (refuse to cooperate) it would be embarrassment for the Union Government as defence companies from across the world would be participating in the event," Parsekar said while talking to reporters.

"Now let DefExpo happen and we will take decision for next year separately," he said.

A section of local people is opposing the DefExpo at Quittol village in south Goa fearing that the defence ministry will acquire land for it.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had, however, clarified yesterday that there would be no need for land acquisition as the structures put up at the exhibition would be temporary.

PTI