Mining woes
Mining was once the backbone of the Goan economy. However it all seems to have gone horribly wrong. The recent incidents of violence reported in the mining belt are shocking to say the least. Violence in the mining belt is something that was unheard of even during the ban. Now when mining had resumed in the state it was baffling to hear that the truckers are agitating and stopping transportation demanding a hike in prices. Iron ore prices have plummeted in the international market, high taxes and low production capacity has hit the mining industry very hard. All the concerned stakeholders should work in unison to make sure the mining industry resumes so that the livelihoods of all the mining dependents comes back on track. Violence will only complicate issues and work in favor of political parties who are busy playing the blame game rather than finding a solution to the problem. The truckers need to have a peaceful dialogue and chalk out a long term remuneration plan with the mining companies.
Achilles Paul, Cuncolim
Jubilee year of mercy
The extraordinary jubilee year of mercy announced by Pope Francis, commencing December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016, is a call to all Christians to celebrate God’s mercy and to share it with others through love, compassion and forgiveness. The message assumes even greater significance in these days of worldwide growing intolerance, hatred , killings and religious bigotry. For Christians, Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy, manifested in the gospels through Christ’s acts of mercy, love, forgiveness and healing to the poor, sick, sinners and the outcasts of society. In his sermon on the mount Jesus says’ Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” ( Mat 5: 7). Besides, there are innumerable biblical verses which tell us that though we may sin , God is always merciful to a repentant sinner. In this year of mercy, Pope Francis therefore reminds us of our duty to open our eyes to the sufferings and misery of others and to reach out to them through acts of love, mercy and compassion.
A. F. Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Petty thieves
Cases of snatching mangalsutra of women has become a common practice in recent times. Generally, two persons proceed on a two-wheeler and the one riding pillion snatches the mangalsutra from the neck of the women as the duo flee from the scene in no time at all. Recently some unknown culprits snatched a gold mangalsutra of a lady teacher at Sarvan in Bicholim while she was returning home from school. It seems the culprits followed her on their motor-bike while she was walking to the bus-stop on Sankhali-Panaji highway. On the pretext of making some enquiry, the culprits snatched the mangalsutra and fled from the scene . It is absolutely necessary that women remain alert while walking along the road, especially at isolated spots. It is also necessary that they note down the registration number of the concerned vehicle used by the culprits. Regular police patrolling especially at isolated spots, bus-stands and congested markets would indeed help in reducing such incidents. No doubt, women need to receive safety and protection on a permanent basis.
Pravin U Sardessai, Adpai
