PANJIM: After failing to get any relief from the State and Central led BJP government to re-start iron ore mining activities in Goa, the mining dependents have now laid their hope on Congress President Rahul Gandhi to get them out of these crises, which have hit the industry since February 2018.
Mining dependents under banner Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) met Gandhi and demanded to ensure that mining activities resumes in the State once they are voted to power. “During our visit to Delhi last year, we had met Gandhi and sought his party’s support to restart mining activities. Gandhi had assured us to support the amendment in the Parliament. However, Government failed to introduce the amendment,” GMPF leader Puti Gaonkar said.
“Now Gandhi is our only hope and he has assured to restart the sustainable mining,” Gaonkar said adding that INC President has also promised to provide a senior counsel to the mining dependents to fight their matter before Supreme Court with regards to challenge to Goa Daman and Diu (Abolition of Concession and Declaration as Mining Leases) Act, 1987.
Gaonkar reiterated that the mining dependents stand is clear that the party or the leaders, who failed to resolve their issues, will face the music in the election. “We are not going to work for that leader or party. We are going to campaign against them. BJP has not helped us, so we will work against them,” he said.
