TEAM HERALD
VALPOI: Mining truck drivers’ association has said that for the last three years they are waiting for the Goa government to react positively to their demands, but unfortunately nothing has been done so far. Now there is no other alternative but to go on hunger strike if government fails to fulfill their demands within 15 days.
They said that financial assistance was assured by ex-chief minister Manohar Parrikar, chief minister Laximikant Parsekar and also Sankhali MLA Pramod Sawant but nothing has been forthcoming, hence they have given 15 day ultimatum to the government to deliver on their promises, at an association meeting held at Vadadev temple, on Sunday.
The meeting was presided by association president Vishnu Sawal, in the presence of other association members. Over the last three years since mining was stopped these drivers are facing financial crises. “Government has sanctioned financial package to the truck, machinery and barge owners. What about us?” questioned Sawal.
From last more than 20 years these drivers are working in the mines and have been seriously affected when mining stopped. It’s the moral duty of the government to give all round support to these drivers. He narrated that Parrikar has given support to their demands when they approached him at the inauguration of Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali. Also present chief minister Parsekar had also assured to meet their demands, but nothing has been done so far. Now, it is foolish to wait for more time to solve their issues. So they decided to go on hunger strike after 15 days at Azad Maidan, Panjim, if their demands are not fulfilled.
