Goa mining-dependent people losing patience: GMPF

Goa Mining People's Front (GMPF) Wednesday said "frustration" is rising among the people affected by the closure of mining in the coastal state who might "resort to violence".

GMPF is an umbrella organisation of the people affected by the supreme court ban on mining activity.

Mining in the coastal state came to a halt since March this year after the apex court quashed the second renewal of 88 mining leases.

Addressing reporters, GMPF president Puti Gaonkar cited media reports that the Centre was averse to amend Mining Act, to underline the "concern and frustration" among the mining dependents.

He said the mining dependents will hold a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on December 11, 12 and 13 coinciding with the winter session of Parliament.

"Frustration is rising among the mining-dependent people in Goa. The mining dependents have already started showing signs of uneasiness. They have been holding protests before their local MLAs and MPs. They might resort to violence to give vent to their frustration," said Gaonkar.

He said leaders of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) had promised to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act for resumption of mining in Goa.

Home and Mining portfolios are being held by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar who has been absent from office owing to failing health.

When contacted, Goa BJP unit president Vinay Tendulkar said the party is making all possible efforts to resume mining.

"The solution to the issue is expected in the next 15 days. There is no need for mining dependents to become panicky," he said.