Team Herald
BICHOLIM: The bandh called by Goa Mining People’s Front in mining affected areas was successful as all the shopkeepers in Bicholim kept their shutters down till 5 pm.
The bandh did not have any effect on the government offices, schools, newspapers, milk selling shops and medical stores were open. Most of the financial institutions like banks also remained open even as some co-operative societies preferred to remain close.
Most of the private buses were plying due to which hardships faced by commuters were less. Elaborate arrangements were made by the deputing additional police personnel’s in Bicholim taluka in order to avoid any untoward incidents and the entire situation was monitored by Bicholim mamlatdar, Pravinjay Pandit and Bicholim police authorities.
In the morning there was massive rally of mining dependents which commenced from Bicholim and then proceeded to Usagao Tisk via Sakhali and Velguem.
In his statement the president of Bicholim Block Congress committee, Meghshyam Raut thanked the business establishments in Bicholim taluka including the vendors for supporting Bandh. Coming down heavily on the ruling party he said the ruling government has been lying people since 2012. He also blamed the coalition parties like MGP and Goa Forward party for being with the government and only giving speeches supporting mining dependents.
Sanquelim Municipal council chairperson, Dharmesh Saglani said that councillors from Sanquelim are in support of mining dependents. He also accused government for not utilizing the mining fund of Rs.184 crores lying in the custody of the government for the welfare of mining dependants. He also put out demands like repaying loans of mining affected people.
Union leader, Puti Gaonkar thanked the business establishments for supporting bandh. The Bicholim MLA, Rajesh Patnekar also said that he will always support the mining dependents.
