October 27th 2023.
VASCO: The Dabolim-Verna highway, usually bustling with activity, was strangely deserted on Thursday evening as Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his way to the Fatorda stadium to inaugurate the National Games. INS Hansa, where the Prime Minister landed, was outfitted with high security measures and the stretch of road leading from it was closed off to traffic.
Daily wage workers and other pedestrians in the area were also directed to stay away from the main road. Police personnel lined the route and security was tight at Dabolim Airport, where Modi was welcomed by Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho and other government officials.
Media personnel were also asked to stay away from the road, and shops across the entire stretch of road leading from INS Hansa were closed as a precaution. Some sources say that shops up to Nuvem were also asked to shut down.
The road closure caused huge traffic near the Airport and many motorists were held up. Shopkeepers were caught off-guard when they were asked to close their establishments. One businessman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “We were surprised when we were asked to close down, more so when it was notified that only roads would be closed down. What happens to people who are running eateries, should they just throw out all the food that is prepared?”
He added, “While we understand the security reasons, the government should have at least intimated us in advance so that we could have been better prepared and we would have closed down our establishments on our own.”
The security preparations in Goa ahead of the National Games 2023 are certainly impressive. The event was marked with stunning fireworks and light shows that took over the stadium.
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