the goan I network
PONDA
The mining dependants on Sunday decided to spread awareness about how people are faring due to suspension of mining in the state and have appealed to the trade union leaders to support them in their bid for justice.
The meeting held in Usgao was attended by 200-odd mining dependants.
President of All Goa Truck Owners Association (AGTOA) Nilkant Gawas, President of Dharbandora Taluka Truck Owners Association Balaji alias Vinayak Gawas, President of All Goa Machinery Owners Association Sandip Parab, Suresh Desai, trade union leader Puti Gaonkar and others were present on the occasion.
In the recent meeting held in Ponda, the mining dependants had expressed unhappiness over the assurance of BJP national president Amit Shah and had decided to revive the Goa Mining Peoples Front to chalk out new plans to press for their demands.
Sources informed The Goan that the home department has collected information of mining dependent leaders and some were summoned over a massive agitation in Panaji in March.
Unfazed by the administration’s actions, the leaders have decided to pursue all options to ensure the resumption of mining activity.
During his recent meeting in Goa, Amit Shah had said a resolution to the mining crisis would be pursued through the courts. Responding to his assurances, the mining dependants lamented that nothing had been done by the government on the issue.
Speaking on the occasion, Nilkanth Gawas targeted the BJP government saying it purposely targeted the leaders of mining dependants in the last agitation in Panaji.
“They don’t want us to come together and seek justice. These BJP leaders used their powers to target us during the agitation at Panaji,” Nilkanth Gawas said appealing to everyone to be united.
Balaji Gawas said that though the state government assured to resolve the issue by May, it failed. “I doubt that government exists in Goa. Nothing has been done so far to restart mining activities. Now they are giving us assurances only because Lok Sabha election is nearing,” Balaji said.
Sandip Parab also emphasised on the need for unity among mining dependants.
“Otherwise we wont get justice. Not only us, but the workers from several mining companies should request their trade union leaders to support us. We want good leaders to take this movement to a favourable conclusion.” Parab said.
Puti Gaonkar said that this issue should be resolved wisely and stressed on spreading awareness about how people are facing problems due to suspension of mining.
The leaders present said that Puti Gaonkar will lead the movement henceforth under one common front, the name for which will be decided later.
