UTAA to oppose moves to grant mining leases in Quepem

Herald Correspondent

Quepem, Jan 16

The United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA) has convened a meeting near Balli panchayat on January 17 4 pm to oppose the proposed mining leases applied for by mining firms in different parts of Quepem constituency.

In a press note, the UTAA has expressed concern that the government has decided to permit around 2,900 hectares of area on lease to mining companies at Balli, Barcem, Khodem, Betul and Fatorpa villages of Quepem constituency.

“The villagers have raised their objection to the proposed leases, however the stand of the government about mining is always suspicious as the government has always acted in favour of mining companies,” the press note stated.

The proposed area is inhabited by tribals and all the areas are covered with thick cashew, coconut platation, paddy fields and other fruit bearing trees. If this area is given for mining leases, the life of the tribals in these areas will be threatened.”

UTAA president Prakash Velip has appealed to villagers of different part of Quepem to attend the meeting in large numbers to show solidarity in opposing the porposed mining leases.

Herald, 17 January 2010, Panaji

Protestors clears Mandovi bridges

Thousands of protestors from Goa's tribal communities have cleared the two bridges they squated for over 3 hours after extracting written assurance from Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat that their 12 point demands would be implemented that includes implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006, and setting up of separate Tribal Affairs Ministry in Goa.

This unprecedented protest action of blocking Mandovi bridges thereby cutting of Capital city of Panjim from the rest of North Goa including Goa Assembly that is located across the bridges in Porvorim.

Sebastian Rodrigues

Protestors paralyze Highway traffic in Panjim's Mandovi bridges

Thousands of tribal protesters has blocked highway on both the Mandovi bridges in Goa's capital city of Panjim. They are have come to Panjim from far and wide in Goa's remotest places and jammed traffic to push Goa government for their 12 point demand that includes implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006. The para-military forces along with Goa Police used pressured water to disperse the protesters. This however has backfired as the resolve of the protesters has hardened and para-military forces and Goa police had to withdraw when the last report came in at 12.40 pm. Tribal organization named United Tribal Associations Alliance (UTAA) had called people out on the streets today.

Sebastian Rodrigues