Mining resumption demand: 200 protestors held near IFFI venue

PANAJI: Around 200 protestors demanding resumption of iron ore mining activity in Goa were arrested this morning a few metres away from the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) venue, police said.

Goa Mining People's Front (GMPF), a conglomeration of the organisations affected by mining halt, held demonstrations at Azad Maidan today, just a few metres from the IFFI venue.

GMPF is demanding resumption of the mining activity, which has been put to halt after directives from the Supreme Court.

Around 200-odd protestors had gathered at Azad Maidan and planned a 'satyagraha', led by senior labour union leader Christopher Fonseca.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Umesh Gaonkar said that section 144 of IPC has been clamped in the city due to the ongoing IFFI.

"All were placed under preventive arrest," he said, adding that protestors peacefully walked into the police vans without any resistance.

The iron ore mining industry in Goa, which is one of the biggest in the country, has come to a standstill following the SC order.

Justice M B Shah Commission in its report had alleged large scale illegalities in the iron ore exports from the state.