http://oheraldo.in/node/10321
Churchill wants whitepaper on airport before elections To kick-start campaign on March 2 BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 25 — The Save Dabolim Action Committee will finally kick-start it's agitation to retain Dabolim as Goa's lone international airport, beginning with a public meeting at Vasco on March 2, with Churchill Alemao calling upon the government to declare its stand whether it favours Dabolim or Mopa before the Assembly polls. Convenor of the Action Committee, MP Churchill Alemao further said he do not care for the Congress directives for party leaders not to go public on the issue, saying he is espousing the cause of the people of Goa. The Committee says it will extend invitations to the local MLAs to make their stand clear at the meetings or face opposition from their constituents. Briefing newsmen, Alemao said two more meetings will be held on March 7 in Navelim, followed by a meeting at Curtorim on March 9 — the two constituencies represented by Congress stalwarts, Industries Minister Luizinho Faleiro and Speaker Francisco Sardinha. Alemao gave a call to the MLAs to extend support to the movement and warned the people will defeat them in the coming hustings. "If the government goes for Mopa, I will remain with the people and fight the coming polls to retain Dabolim airport", he added. Welcoming the stand of Maharashtra government to set up an airport in Sindhdurg district, Alemao and Radharao Gracias said "an airport at Sindhudurg will solve the present imbroglio and will serve Pernem as well". The MP charged that the Navy is occupying vast area at Dabolim, part of which is being utilised for a golf course, playground and for leisure. "Have the Navy come to enjoy here or for defence purposes", he said, while reiterating his demand for shifting of the Naval base to Karwar and utilising the land for airport expansion. He said the government should rope in an expert to go into the State's economy if Dabolim is closed down, adding that "if Dabolim goes, Goa will be a disaster". -- TUMCHER AXIRVAD ASSUM; DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London, England