Aam Aadmi Party rules out association with Goan mining firms

PANAJI: Aam Aadmi Party today said it would not accept any donation from mining companies and distance itself from them.

In a press release issued here, AAP accused the BJP-led state government of soft pedalling action against "criminals" who brought mining activity to its knees.

"Mining lease holders indulged in all kinds of illegal and excess mining in collusion with politicians," the AAP release said. "Instead of dragging directors of the mining companies involved in illegal and excess mining to criminal courts, the government has been blaming NGOs, Supreme Court, traders, the Shah Commission and everybody else," it said, adding those involved in illegal mining should be prosecuted and the loss should be recovered from them.

AAP has demanded that the focus should be on immediate relief and rehabilitation of common people affected by the ban on mining. The party said the solution to mining related issues would be to respect the decision of the Supreme Court, which has banned fresh mining and export of iron ore from Goa, pending its final order.