Goa MP objects to navy seeking to acquire islands

Indian navy's claim over two islands off Goa coast has irked a local Member of Parliament, who today claimed the move as 'an attempt to grab the land'. 

Goa's lone Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik said he will take up the matter with defence minister AK Antony informing him about the Navy's move.

The Indian navy's officials in Goa had expressed their willingness to take over two islands-- St. George island and Bimbvel Beach, citing security reasons.

Naik, in a press note released here, said there is no provision of navy acquiring the islands in Goa Land Acquisition Act.

He said the state chief secretary Sanjay Srivastava will be taking up the issue with the Naval authorities. 

The Rajya Sabha member said these islands are a part of the State. 

He feared tourism and fishing activity and religious ceremonies could be trampled upon by the Indian navy in the name of security, if these islands are allowed to be acquired or grabbed.

Naik said he was strongly with the villagers in and around the island opposing Indian Navy's move. 

The MP said he is not ready to buy the assurance given by Indian navy to protect the rights of fishermen community.