Panaji (Goa)
Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai has said that there is no requirement of any protest in Panaji by mining dependent people as “there is no requirement to impress state government.”
Sardesai said Goa government has not been responsible for the current crisis on the mining industry, which has surfaced due to the SC verdict.
“There was no need for the mining dependents to hold the protest in Panaji tomorrow as they have no one to impress upon. Government is already sympathizing over their demand,” said Sardesai.
The Cabinet Advisory Committee (CAC)met in Panaji today to take stock of the situation. Sardesai who is a part of the CAC along with Sudin Dhavalikar and Francis D’Souza said that the the meeting was held as the decision to hold such a rally was announced by mining dependents at the last minute.
The mining industry in Goa has come to a standstill due to the Supreme Court judgment which has quashed 88 mining leases.
Sardesai said that the government’s actions are in support of those affected with the closure of the mining industry. “We also believe that the closure was abrupt and it has come second time due to which the people dependent on this industry are forced to face inconvenience,” he added.
“We are convinced over the issue and there is no need to impress us. What will they get by striking in Panaji?,” he said.
The minister pointed out that currently the examinations of the students is going on and if anyone misses his paper due to the strike, the protestors will lose all the sympathy.
Dhavalikar said that the protestors should not resort to any action breaking law and order situation in the city. “All the 40 legislators including chief minister Manohar Parrikar is well aware about the crisis and we are with them during these days but any attempt to violate law will not be tolerated,” he said.
He also appealed that the hotel industry should ask the tourists not to venture out during morning hours tomorrow as they might face traffic jam.