the goan I network
bicholim
The bandh called upon by the Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) in the mining affected areas between Tivim and Ussagao had maximum impact in the market areas as all shopkeepers shut their shops till Tuesday evening.
However, all government offices, schools, medical stores and essential supplies were kept open. Some financial institutions like banks and cooperative credit societies remained open.
Some miscreants had placed mud along the Honda-Ponda road at Surla in a bid to disrupt traffic, but the obstacle was cleared by authorities.
Elaborate arrangements were made by deputing additional police personnel in Bicholim taluka, to avoid untoward incidents and the entire area was monitored by Bicholim Mamlatdar Pravinjay Pandit and Bicholim police.
In the morning, there was a large rally of mining dependents which began from Bicholim and proceeded to Usagao Tisk via Sakhali and Velguem, with the participants shouting slogans demanding the resumption of mining activity.
Former Sankhli MLA Pratap Gawas also participated in the rally.
While extending his support to the Bandh in Bicholim, MLA Rajesh Patnekar said he had also participated in the bandh by closing his own establishments. He pledged his constant support to the mining workers.
MGP leader and former MLA Naresh Sawal offered full support to the mining workers and blamed the BJP government for shutting down mining activities without taking the mining dependents and stakeholders into confidence.
Bicholim Block Congress Committee President Meghshyam Raut expressed gratitude to vendors and business establishments in Bicholim taluka for supporting the bandh.
Coming down heavily on the ruling party, Raut accused the BJP government of lying to the people since 2012. “People demand action from the government regarding resumption of mining rather than mere promises,” he said.
