U.S. base removal called only solution for military incidents at Camp Foster emergency gathering
On October 12 around 6:00 p.m. in front of Camp Foster’s Ishihira gate in Kitanakagusuku Village, gathered protestors chanted together, enraged over the U.S. military helicopter that made an emergency landing and caught fire.
October 13, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
On October 12 the prefectural citizens’ organization opposing the relocation of U.S. bases within Okinawa and those involved in the Futenma noise lawsuits held an emergency gathering in Kitanakagusuku Village in front of the Ishihira gate to Camp Foster.
This gathering was a response to the CH-53 U.S. military helicopter that made an emergency landing on private property in Takae, Higashi Village, and went up in flames. More than 200 citizens rallied together, pumping their fists angrily into the air in protest of the accident.
Those who gathered to protest repeated U.S. military accidents were citizens who had just completed their day’s work.
Masahiko Nakandakari, co-representative of a liaison council opposing Takae helipad construction, raised the point: “Residents of Takae have long been burdened with apprehension while going about their lives. Yesterday’s accident was bound to happen. Let’s pull together and persevere.”
Hiroji Yamashiro, co-representative of the aforementioned prefectural citizen’s organization, addressed the crowd: “A dreadful accident has occurred. For the future, and for our children, let’s make our rage heard.”
Lead plaintiff Zenji Shimada of the Futenma noise lawsuits appealed: “This has already gone too far. What sort of world are we leaving for our children? We must make efforts more earnestly.”
Tsutomu Higa, a 52-year-old resident of Naha City, had the following to say: “We can no longer endure. To do away with U.S. military incidents and accidents there is no option but unconditional removal of the bases.”
(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)
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