the goan I network
PONDA
Leaders of political parties and mining dependent associations on Tuesday accused
the State government of cheating the mining dependent people by giving them false assurances.
Addressing a large gathering of mining dependents during the bandh at Tisk-Usgao, Dharbandora Taluka Truck Owners Association President Vinayak alias Balaji Gauns said: “Enough is enough, if they still continue to give false promises and fails to restart mining, we will work against their candidates in the elections.”
AICC Secretary and Goa Desk incharge Dr A Chellakumar, GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Congress senior leader and Poriem MLA Pratapsingh Rane, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, Goa Suraksha Manch leader Subhash Velingkar and others were present on the occasion.
Dr Chellakumar said everyone was aware of the mining issue and yet, the BJP-led government had failed to resolve it. “If you stand by us and if Congress is voted to power, we will definitely work towards resumption of mining,” Chellakumar said.
“Mining is very important for Goa as many people are dependent on it. We know how people are suffering due to suspension of mining and people know who has stopped it,” he added.
Margao MLA and former chief minister Digambar Kamat said mining is very important to Goa. “A bandh is the best way to draw the attention of the government. We are fully supporting you on this issue,” Kamat said.
Poriem MLA and former chief minister Pratapsing Rane said mining is the backbone of Goa and added that he had never witnessed such a situation since his childhood.
“In Goa’s history, I believe such a situation has never arisen whereby thousands of families are suffering due to closure of mining. The government should work in the interest and welfare of people,” Rane said.
He also said MPs should have worked together to resolve this issue.
“This business also helps the nation’s economy. Hence, we will always support the resumption of mining,”
Rane said.
