Team Herald
BICHOLIM: Demanding that the government take an immediate decision on the mining issue, the Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) on Monday threatened to march to CM’s residence at Panjim with the machinery on March 16.
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Around 1000 mining dependents and truck owners attended the Front’s special meeting near Pale Panchayat. “What we need is a decision on mining and we are against the delaying techniques of the government,” GMPF president Puti Gaonkar demanded and suspected that ‘probably they have ulterior motives to give the mines to someone.’
Opposing the possible move of the government to form corporation/auctioning of the mines, Gaonkar said, “It would only lead to litigation and the issue will be kept pending for several years”.
The speakers said they are not against anyone but, are fighting for their rights and needs. They demanded resumption of mining activities and urged the mining dependents to remain united.
Suresh Desai said the closure in mining activities has affected the funds of several panchayats. “We have not demanded for compensation. We have called for resumption of mining. We are the taxpayers and we warn the NGOs for trying to stop mining.” Desai warned.
