HERALD - July 16, 2008
Panjim, Jul 15 - President of Goa Su-Raj Party Dr. N Dhumo has suggested
social boycott of mine owners for the destructive kind of mining being
witnessed in Goa ravaging natural resources and green cover.
The suggestion came during an Open House discussion which was preceded by a
presentation on Ramesh Gauns' study on impact of mining in Goa, at a
function held at Manvins Hotel, here.
To a question on what should be the next course of action for the people to
express their protest against destructive mining in Goa, Dr. Dhumo, retired
Deputy Director of Health, suggested non-violent protest like social boycott
of mine owners.
Adelaide, a former teacher from Porvorim called for efforts of all groups to
come together under one umbrella to fight the strong mining cartel. To begin
with, all can come together for a prayer meeting , she suggested.
Kishore Naik from Advalpal explained how the government supports mine owners
in furthering their business. In Advalpal, he said, because of destructive
mining, wells have gone dry and tankers have to supply water. Mining
companies divide the people by offering them jobs and incentives to start
related business, he said. Whenever hearings are held before the District
Collector, adjournments are obtained by the parties.
Naik said he along with the residents would join hands with any
non-political organization to fight 'vicious mining'. He said if a villager
wants to cut down a tree, the forest department will raise several queries
indirectly harassing the villagers but with mining going all time high, the
forest department turns a blind eye to mass felling of trees by the mining
promoters. Godfrey Gonsalves also spoke.
As Gauns, national award winner in teaching, was indisposed, his study was
presented by Sebastian alias Seby Rodrigues of Maand NGO (who was described
as a Naxalite by Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar).
In Gauns' study, it was highlighted how mining companies dig huge pits for
minerals and then empty them nearby preferably in a stream. This was also
witnessed in Colomb at the height of the agitation causing much damage to
agriculture and horticulture.
Narrating his experience and elaborating on Gauns' study, Seby said
agriculture, paddy, wells, springs, livelihood etc, is affected by the
ruthless mining.
At one point, Seby said the President of India could be approached to get
de-recognition of the title Padmashree given to a mine owner whose company
like many others in the trade has indulged in depleting natural resources,
reducing the green areas, causing pollution, etc.
He said the Mandovi River has been monopolized by the mining business.
Barges ply two and fro at regular intervals and washing of ore as well as
trucks has not only contaminated the river water but has also caused heavy
siltation in the river.
Social activist Floriano Lobo who coordinated the programme proposed the
vote of thanks.
----- Original Message -----
From: CPIML Central Office
Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2008 5:02 PM
Subject: ML Update Vol. 11 No. 28 8 - 14 JULY 2008
Anti-Land Grab Activist in Goa Branded as 'Naxalite'
Sebastian Rodrigues, a young activist in Goa who has been campaigning
against the loot and devastation of Goa's environment and people's land and
livelihood by mining corporations, was recently branded as a 'Naxalite' by
Goan Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar of the BJP. The evidence? In
his blogspot, Rodrigues had carried an interview of CPI(ML) CCM Comrade
Rajaram! Rodrigues had been reporting on the protests by people of
Manoharpur Block in Jharkand's West Singhbhum district against Goan mining
company Dempo, which is threatening to displace two tribal villages (over
4000 villagers) of Dinburlim and Kamarbeda. CPI(ML) CCMs, ex-MLA Bahadur
Oraon, as well as Rajaram had been participating in the people's protests.
On 19 June at the Ad-hoc committee meet of the Goa Home Ministry, Manohar
Parrikar presented print-outs of these blog entries which according to him
'proved' that Rogdrigues was a member of the CPI(ML), which according to him
is a 'banned' outfit!
The above events show how the Goa Government and Opposition are both equally
in the service of mining corporations and are invoking the 'Naxalite' bogey
to delegitimise all protest. While Rodrigues is not a member of CPI(ML), the
BJP also knows full well that the CPI(ML) is a recognised political party
with an MLA in the Jharkhand Assembly and with a commitment to struggles
against corporate loot and land grab.
CPI(ML) strongly condemns the witch-hunt of the anti-land grab activists in
Goa and warns against all attempts to brand the CPI(ML) as a 'banned
outfit'. CPI(ML) stands in solidarity with the Goan people's struggles
against land grab and corporate loot.
Edited, published and printed by S. Bhattacharya for CPI(ML) Liberation from
U-90, Shakarpur, Delhi-92; printed at Bol Publication,
R-18/2, Ramesh Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi-92; Phone:22521067; fax: 22518248,
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED], website: www.cpiml.org
