In yet another demonstration of absolute hold over Goa Police Fomento mining company today resumed its operations at Advalpal with police protection. Yesterday a group of around 600 villagers had stormed the mine and forced the work to grinding halt. Situation between Police and Advalpal villagers has been tense as around 200 people are scheming to break police cordon and attack the mine again. however till 3.00 pm today there was no report of any violence in the area or the mining site.
Two jeeps load of policemen are posted in hot Sun to protect Advalpal Fomento mines from the angry villagers. Police force that is paid out of public funds have turned again against public. It had earlier done so few months back to defend the same Fomento mines in Sanguem taluka's Colamb village.
Today morning group of around 200 villagers force stopped two operating mines. First was that of Sesa Goa and then immidiately of Salgaoncars. Deputy collector's office in Bicholim has been another site of hectic activity as one group of Advalpal villagers are squatting in front of the office demanding that Deputy collector show them approved mining plan from Indian beareu of mines (IBM). Deputy collector however was in no position to show agitators any documents. In the absence of approved plans area of lease remains disputable.
The agitation is set to intensify even further as the State has been behaving in absolutely insensitive manner arresting villagers as well as their MLA Rajesh Patnekar.
Sebastian Rodrigues with inputs from Ramesh Gauns in Bicholim
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