-- Samir Umarye BICHOLIM: Mining-dependent people from the hinterland and interiors of Goa on Friday united under the banner of Goa Mining People's Front (GMPF) for a rally at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maidan in Bicholim. They announced their appreciation and thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for visiting Goa on Saturday, before making an appeal to the central government to take necessary steps towards the resumption of mining in Goa.
"It's a matter of great pride for the people of Goa that Prime Minister Modi chose this beautiful tiny state for his first visit outside Delhi after becoming Prime Minister," said GMPF president Anand Naik. Participants at the gathering said they wanted to highlight their plight casued by the closure of the local mining industry. "Some fly-by-night operators brought disrepute to the industry which ultimately led to the mining ban. The ban affected the livelihood of 25% of Goa's population," said Prakash Parab, a member of the GMPF. GMPF have appealed that Modi and chief minister Manohar Parrikar take immediate steps to "resume mining in the state, renew mining leases, issue environment clearances to deserving mines, increase the cap on iron-ore production and formulate a policy on iron ore dumps." "In January, Prime Minister Modi had spoken with great anguish against the ban on mining, and had said that it will be only a matter of days once the BJP comes to power at Centre that mining operation will be fully resumed in Goa. During the recently held Parliamentary election, the people in Goa offered overwhelming support to the BJP and elected the party's nominees in both districts of the state." said GMPF member Pandurang Parab adding that the people are full of hope and optimism that the promises made then will be fulfilled soon and legitimate mining operations in the state will restart immediately. This would not only enable mining dependent people to lead their lives normally and meaningfully but will also fulfill the NDA government's promise for 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas'. (toi)