GMPF blames Parrikar for stalemate of mining ban
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 11 May 2013 19:16 IST
Goa Mining People’s Front has blamed chief minister Manohar Parrikar for not getting relief from the Supreme Court on the mining ban issue.
He has also said union finance minister P Chidambaram is prepared to give financial package to mining-affected people of Goa, provided the state government gives a concrete proposal.
“It’s time to call the spade a spade”, said Christopher Fonseca today at a press conference of GMPF, after returning from the national capital.
He has put the whole blame on Goa CM and his machinery, alleging that the case is not being argued properly before the Supreme Court.
“Neither Goa’s advocate general goes prepared for the hearing nor a proper brief is given to the state lawyers”, claimed Fonseca.
The GMPF was expecting some relief on 8 May, when the apex court heard the case but postponed it without a proper hearing.
The case would now be heard in the second week of July while total ban on mining operations would continue for the next three months.
The ban was imposed on 5 October last year.
Atul Jadhav, president of the Barge Owners’ Association, said the court also did not hear their lawyers.
“He (Parrikar) thinks that he knows everything but actually does nothing”, alleged Fonseca.
He asked why Goa government took four long months to file an affidavit before the apex court.
The lack of co-ordination between the central and state government authorities is confusing the whole case further, he feels.
Fonseca also disclosed that Chidambaram is waiting for a concrete proposal from the state government regarding special financial package to the mine-affected people.
When it was pointed out that Parrikar had met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh with a request for financial package, Jadhav said either the union finance minister is not aware of it or a concrete proposal has not been given to the centre.
The GMPF now plans to meet chief minister Parrikar to request him to give a concrete proposal to the centre and also represent the case in a proper manner.
The GMPF in the meanwhile plans to continue its campaign with a state convention and even Goa Bandh, if necessary.
