the goan I network
PANAJI
Attention of Goa’s mining industry stakeholders and dependents will be focused on the Centre, which according to Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, is most likely to reveal its blue-print for early resumption of operations in Goa.
The BJP-led State and Central governments are under pressure to find a way out for resumption of mining from large sections of Goa’s population inhabiting the hinterland mining areas whose livelihoods are dependent on the industry.
Iron ore mining and all allied operations came to a standstill in Goa since mid-March last year after the Supreme Court ruled that 88 mining leases renewed by the State government in 2014 were illegal.
The State government led by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has been lobbying with the Centre to use the Ordinance route to tweak mining laws which will validate some of the past mining leases up to 2037.
Meanwhile, the Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) has decided to observe one-day bandh in the mining belt on February 26 and have appealed to non-mining areas markets to support them.
This was decided by the GMPF at a public meeting in the Gomantak Schoool Hall, Piliem-Usgao, after members unanimously deciding to intensify their agitation.
The meeting, which was chaired by Puti Gaonkar, was attended by 500-odd mining dependents and as the hall could not accommodate the crowd, the meeting was shifted outside on the ground.
Former minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Goa Suraksha Manch leader Subhash Velingkar, Congress leader Khemalo Sawant, Shivsena leader Rakhi Naik were present to support the GMPF.
Puti Gaonkar said that governments at the State and Centre should have the will power to resolve the issue, which he said, was lacking in these governments.
He said the bandh will be observed in the mining belts and the markets will be closed. “We appeal to markets in other areas to support us by closing business for a day,” he said.
President of Dharbandora Taluka Truck Owners Association Vinayak alias Balaji Gauns said they had become bored of giving speeches. “The skin of this government has become so thick, that it is not bothered about our anger, agitations and protests,” Gauns said.
“We should not allow BJP candidates to campaign during the election and we have to defeat the BJP in both seats at the Lok Sabha election. Let us all work in this direction and also achieve success at the bandh,” He said.
Khemalo Sawant of Congress assured to support bandh, adding that the government had been fooling people over the mining issue.
Subhash Velingkar said steps should be taken to make the agitation successful. “Narendra Modi did not kept his word of resolving the mining issue within 48 hours. Because of his assurances, people voted the BJP to power during the last lok sabha election,” he said.
Velingkar said the Goa Suraksha Manch would support the bandh and would be with the mining dependents to get justice.
Rakhi Naik of Shivsena said the mining dependents have been suffering due to the mining closure and assured the Shiv Sena’ support towards the resumption of mining activity.
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HEADING
Don’t force people to become
naxalites: Tawadkar to govt
THE GOAN NETWORK
PONDA: Former minister Ramesh Tawadkar said the State government had become insensitive towards the issues of people and said the government should not provoke the people to become naxalities.
“There are many issues grappling Goa. Be it mining or issue of sugarcane farmers. The government has become insensitive towards them. If people turn to naxalite activities, the government will be responsible for this,” warned Tawadkar.
Hitting out at Goa’s MPs, Tawadkar sought to know if the people of Goa wanted elected representatives who were unable to place state issues with the Centre. “Now, everyone knows the value of these MPs in New Delhi,” said Tawadkar.
