Miners protest, demand trade protection
PTI, PANAJI | 12 October 2011 21:55 IST
In a show of strength, thousands of people dependent on the mining industry in Goa today converged here at a ground demanding protection to their trade from the state government.
Around 15 different organisations representing truck owners, mining machinery owners, contractors and allied industry fear that the tirade against illegal mining would devastate legal mining trade, which has been going on since half a century in the state.
Around three to four thousand people reached the Campal ground here since morning and forced the state government representatives to eke out an firm assurance to protect their business.
Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, who penned the PAC report on illegal mining also stood by the huge gathering supporting legitimate mining business.
The fears on stoppage of legal mining stems from the inquiry of Justice M B Shah, which has pointed out several illegalities in the ore extraction trade.
People blocked the entire Mandovi River channel by anchoring barges (ships which carry ore).
Mining trucks were also brought to Panaji, which were stopped by police on the city outskirts.
"Its the responsibility of state government to respect opinion of the people.
Government is doing everything necessary to ensure that legal mining should not be banned," State Home Minister Ravi Naik, told the crowd amidst heavy booing.
Naik, who claimed to be representing Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, however failed to impress the crowd.
He said that government supports all the demands and Kamat will look into it.
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For a small state like Goa,, the greedy politicians have caused enough damage by allowing this mining menace to grow leaps and bound...
It is reported in some news media that further 623 applications are receiving active consideration of the Politicians--for ore prospecting---
How will the history remember those greedy politicians.? With contempt and hate for bringing about destruction of this beautiful State for selfish motives and greed...?
Or for collecting huge wealth and becoming rich...????
- vishwas prabhudesai, loliem | 13 th October 2011 10:26
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