"Firstly, we have not asked the government for any schemes or packages. How long will the government support the people? The amount proposed is not adequate....We do not want to live like beggars but want a life of dignity", Christopher Fonseca, spokesman, Goa Mining Affected People's Front (GMAPF) told PTI.
The organisation, which has been holding demonstrations at Azad Maidan here for the last two weeks, said it would intensify the protests across the state if their demands are not looked into.
"We have been peacefully protesting for the last two weeks and will intensify the protest across Goa. People in various mining talukas will protest in their respective areas", Fonseca said.
Goa Governor B V Wanchoo in his address to the Legislative Assembly had assured a monthly compensation of Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000 to those affected by the ban on mining.
The agitators also appealed to all MLAs, irrespective of their party lines, to pass a unanimous resolution in the ongoing Assembly session for resumption of mining activity in a sustainable manner, taking all stake-holders into confidence.
Iron ore mining, Goa's one of the main economic activity, was initially stopped by the state government asking the mine owners to produce their valid documents.
Subsequently, the Supreme Court halted extraction and transportation of iron ore in the state, responding to the petition filed by a Goa-based NGO.
"We also call upon Central government to work in sync and unison with the state government to make this resolve an immediate reality", Fonseca said.
