Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar met with senior Naval officials, including the Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area (FOGA), to address complaints from locals regarding restricted access to religious sites near Varunapuri. The issue pertains to the Ram Mandir, Kali Temple, and an Orthodox Syrian Church — all located in close proximity within a civilian area.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Salkar said the Navy had recently indicated plans to close gates and restrict public access to the religious sites, prompting concerns among the local community.
“There was an earlier access issue with the Navy behind these temples which had even reached the courts. I had then intervened and brought both parties to the table, where we arrived at a settlement and agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). That matter was resolved. But now, suddenly, a fresh issue has arisen where the Navy is threatening to block access to the Ram Mandir, Kali Temple, and the Orthodox Church,” Salkar said.
He clarified that the location in question is not a defence operational area and poses no security threat. According to Salkar, the Navy previously had two residential quarters in the area, which are now unoccupied and being demolished.
“This is not a Naval base area. The locals cannot access any Naval premises from this location, and there is no threat from this side. The temples and church have existed here for over 50 to 60 years. Denying access now, especially to senior citizens and people on wheelchairs, is unfair and unjustified,” Salkar added.
The MLA said he had requested the FOGA to visit the site, and the official agreed. He further said that while the need for defence security is understood, the rights of civilians to access places of worship must also be respected.
“We have requested the FOGA to put any plans of gate closures on hold until the matter is raised with the Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant. I’ve also proposed a land exchange — the state government can take over this property with the old unoccupied Naval buildings and offer the Navy alternative land elsewhere,” Salkar stated.
He also raised safety concerns regarding the Navy’s suggestion for devotees to park their vehicles on the nearby highway and walk to the temples and church.
“Asking people to park on the highway and walk is not feasible for senior citizens or persons with disabilities. It could also lead to accidents. While we have the highest respect for our defence forces, they must consider the sentiments and needs of the locals too,” Salkar said.
He concluded by assuring that the matter would be taken up with the Chief Minister within the next two days in the hope of arriving at an amicable win win solution that respects both national security and religious freedoms.
