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THE GOAN NETWORK
PONDA: As part of their protest to embarrass central leaders visiting the State for their failure to take up their cause, the Goa Mining People's Front (GMPF) has decided to inaugurate the new Khandepar bridge by senior citizens ahead of the official inauguration by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on December 23.
The GMPF had convened a largely attended meeting at Pilye-Dharbandora on Wednesday to decide its future course of action. GMPF members hit out at the BJP government and its legislators, for failing to ensure the early resumption of mining activities.
The GMPF also decided to convene another meeting on December 27 to decide about the proposed Goa bandh.
“The message of our dharna in New Delhi has reached the central government. We have also submitted our memorandum to the Prime Minister's Office,” said GMPF Convenor Puti Gaonkar.
“To go ahead with our agitation and the Goa bandh, we need to form a coordination committee and we need the support of all parties as this issue pertains to the entire society,” said Gaonkar.
“We will achieve success if we are united and utilise power in a proper way.”
Dharbandora Taluka Truck Association President Vinayak alias Balaji Gauns said the State government has done nothing to restart mining activity.
"Let them show us the correspondence they have had with the central government. If they fail to do so, we will inaugurate the Khandepar bridge and deprive Gadkari of this honour,” said Gawas.
Goa Suraksha Manch leader Subhash Velingkar supported Gawas' suggestion and said the new Khandepar bridge should be inaugurated by senior citizens.
“We are fully with you on inaugurating the new Khandepar bridge before Gadkari,” said Velingkar.
Velinkar said if regional parties Goa Forward and MG Party don't take stand against the State government, then they too along with BJP should be thrown out of power.
"The MGP and Goa Forward have shown their double standards. Do they have the courage to withdraw support to the government and stand with us to seek justice to the mining dependents," asked Velingkar.
Shiv Sena State President Jitesh Kamat said a Goa Bandh was the only solution to draw attention of the government. "We will take bus owners, taxi owners and others into confidence before observing the bandh," he said.
Congress office bearer Khemalo Sawant was also present for the meeting and pledged his full support to their cause.
Others present at the meeting included Sanvordem Sarpanch Sandeep Pauskar, Shashikant Gaonkar and hundreds of mining dependents.
