A large number of people dependent on the mining industry, today took out a rally here, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state tomorrow.
Around 2,000 people from seven talukas of Goa gathered in Bicholim town this morning and demanded immediate resumption of the iron ore export from the state.
Participants took out the rally under the banner of Goa Mining People's Front (GMPF).
"We welcome our prime minister to the state and take this opportunity to highlight the plight of people dependent on the mining industry, which is continuing for last two years," Secretary Goa Mining Labour welfare Union, a part of GMPF, Anand Naik said.
"Some fly-by-night operators brought disrepute to the industry and ultimately led to the mining ban. The ban affected the livelihood of 25 per cent of Goa's population.
"Prior to the ban, the mining industry in Goa was the single most employment- generating industry since 1950's but overnight, more than 4,00,000 people, directly or indirectly dependent on mining industry, lost their means of employment and livelihood," he said.
Protesters said that people were forced to use their savings for living.
The GMPF demanded that centre should give environment clearances to the legal mines, and also should work to enhance the annual cap on the iron ore production.
They also said that the iron ore dumps (rejected ore piled up in mining leases and outside) policy should be formulated as soon as possible.
GMPF Convener Suhas Naik said that Modi in past strongly spoke against the ban on mining and had said once BJP comes to power at the Centre, the mining operation will be fully resumed in Goa.
"People of Goa have overwhelmingly supported BJP in the Parliamentary elections. Now, they (people) are optimistic that the promises made then will be fulfilled and mining operations will soon resume in the state," he said.
