-- Samir Umarye
BICHOLIM: The Goa Mining People’s Front on Tuesday came down heavily on the government and also took a dig at Sanquelim MLA Dr Pramod Sawant for failing to turn up for the meeting. Surprisingly, GMPF’s statement comes just a day after the MLA had publicly expressed his support to the cause during the meeting at Sanquelim on Monday. The GMPF meeting at Pale was attended by about 500 mine dependents from Pale. AITUC General Secretary Adv Raju Mangeshkar, Christopher Fonseca, GMPF Convenor Suhash Naik, Sandeep Parab, Suresh Desai and Chandrakant Gawas were among others present for the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Suhash Naik highlighted the plight of the mine dependents and said the life of the people in mining belt is becoming worse from bad. “ There is rise in the cost of living in the State and it is becoming difficult for the common person to sustain in this condition. There is a need to resume mining in the State and all should come forward and support the cause in Panjim on August 29,” stated Naik and asked why the government took time to resolve the issue. The speakers also came down heavily on Dr Sawant for not attending the meeting and questioned his stand over the issue. They also sought to know why he was quiet over the issue and asked why he did not turn up for the meeting despite of an invitation. Fonseca said there is no other option than to fight for the common cause so that the mining operation is resumed. “ There is a need of awareness among the people and everyone should come to Panjim for the rally and show the real strength to the government,” Fonseca said. The meeting also attacked the NGOs who they said are against mining and the common people.