PANJIM: Goa Mining People’s Front has threatened a mass agitation across Goa, if the mining operations do not resume by December 15. The front has also pushed for leases to be given to existing lease holders and opposed auctions saying that the MMDR Act does not stipulate auction of leases.
The leaders of the GMPF want the State to approach Centre for a grant of Rs 3000 crore. The front also demanded that the government immediately formulate a transparent mining policy on lease allotments, revive debt relief scheme, and demanded that the government take over their loan liabilities through the Economic Development Corporation.
Over a hundred persons including truck, barge owners, machinery operators and their families held a dharna at the Kranti Circle, near Kadamba bus terminus, in Panjim on Tuesday, demanding immediate resumption of mining.
“We know government is very positive about the issue. However, people are frustrated over the delay. Hence we appeal to government to re-start mining by December 15, failing which we will launch mass protest across the State,” GMPF convener Adv Suhaas Naik said while addressing the mining dependents.
