Two anti-mining protestors released

MARGAO: The Quepem police on Wednesday arrested two persons involved in anti-mining activities and later released them on bail.
According to police sources, the Quepem police first took into custody one Egyps D'Souza from Colomb on Tuesday evening as preventive
arrest after a fight broke out between him and Rivona panchayat member Ram Gaonkar over some mining issue.
No sooner was D'Souza released on bail by the Quepem deputy collector on Wednesday morning, the Quepem police further arrested him in connection with an anti-mining protest by Colomb villagers several months ago.
The Quepem police, later arrested Rama Velip, another prominent face in the anti-mining agitation at Colomb, in connection with the same case.
The duo was charged with blocking roads thus obstructing mining transportation. Both were later released on bail.
Meanwhile, the anti-mining citizens groups have condemned the arrests and have accused the police of "succumbing to the pressure tactics of the mining lobby".