the goan I network
PONDA
The Goa Mining People Front (GMPF) has threatened to take the law into their own hands if mining in the State does not resume soon.
“So far we have been peaceful. The Central and State governments would be responsible if any untoward incident takes place in the light of the pending issue,” warned the mining dependents.
At a press conference in the city on Wednesday, GMPF convener Puti Gaonkar outlined the organisation’s future course of action. Dharbandora Taluka Truck Owners Association president Vinayak alias Balaji Gauns, Sanvordem Sarpanch Sandeep Pauskar, president of All Goa Machinery Owners Association Sandeep Parab, Mahesh Gauns and others were present at the press briefing.
Gaonkar said that they would fight for amendment to MMDR Act. The mining dependents would stage a dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on December 11, 12 and 13,” he said.
“All mining dependents are disturbed and furious over the news of MMDR Act, which it is said cannot be amended. Hence, a chaotic situation cannot be ruled out,” Gaonkar said.
He also said that they would not allow political parties opposed to them to campaign in the mining belts during the up-coming elections. “We will not support even Nilesh Cabral if he contests on a BJP ticket. We may support him if he fights independently,” Gaonkar said.
He also said that they would seek financial assistance from the public to bear the expenditure of staging a dharna in Delhi. “We will go to the public for help. We will not take money from mining companies,” he said.
He also said that before December 4, they would hold a mega meeting at Azad Maidan in Panaji. “We will invite all politicians to seek their commitment for resumption of mining,” Gaonkar said.
Mahesh Gauns said that they would paralyze Goa if the mining issue was not resolved at the earliest. “If the government fails to restart mining, then we will paralyze Goa,” he said.
Balaji Gauns said they would park their trucks on roads to paralyze the State.
A qweek ago, the mining dependents had called on BJP state President Vinay Tendulkar, who had assured them of a solution within fifteen days, while MG Party president Deepak Dhavalikar had threatened to withdraw support to the government if mining did not resume by December 15.
