Cavrem locals paralyze ore transportation

MARGAO: Cavrem residents blocked the transportation of mineral ore through the village on Friday, protesting the alleged assault on some villagers by a group of truck drivers on Thursday evening. They have resolved to go ahead with their protest unless stern action is taken by the authorities against the errant mining truck drivers. It may be noted that agitated Cavrem villagers had blocked themovement of over 40 mining trucks through the village on Wednesday on thegrounds that they had violated the timing restrictions imposed by theauthorities. The mining regulations in force prevent mining trucks fromtransporting ore beyond 6.30pm. On Thursday, clashes broke out between thevillagers and the truck drivers resulting in two persons-one a Cavremresident-being hospitalized. Meanwhile, upset over the loss ofbusiness owing to the villagers' agitation, a group of drivers and miningtransporters on Friday morning marched to the Betul residence of Quepem MLAChandrakant 'Babu' Kavlekar seeking his intervention to end the imbroglio.In an attempt to thrash out a solution, Kavlekar then invited adelegation of Cavrem villagers to his residence. Though the locals turned downthe invitation, Cavrem sarpanch, Rajnikant Gaonkar and two other panchayatmembers attended the meeting. DySP Rohidas Patre and Quepem PI Sudesh Narvekarwere also present. Speaking to TOI after the meeting, Kavlekar saidhe had impressed upon the drivers and the transporters not to do anything thatwould invite the wrath of the locals and cause disharmony among the villagers."I have directed the transporters, the truck owners and drivers to stick to thetiming restrictions. The transporters have also given a written undertaking tothe police that they will obey all the regulations pertaining to miningtransportation. I have also advised them to resolve any issues pertaining tobusiness rivalry among themselves without affecting the villagers," Kavlekarsaid. However, the villagers were in no mood to relent and havevoiced their determination to go ahead with the blockade until the authoritiestake action against the violators. The Quepem police have, however, detained some nine trucks which were found plying beyond the permissible time limit and have forwarded the case to the department of mines for further action, sources said.