Seeking immediate resumption of mining in Goa, the Goa Mining People's Front (GMPF) on August 3 said it would hold a week-long bandh in Goa's mining belt. Mining has been stayed by the Supreme Court, following PILs about rampant illegal mining in the state. GMPF held a meeting in Panaji and resolved to hold successive bandhs from August 21 to August 28.

GMPF leader Christopher Fonseca said in Panaji after the meeting that each day, there will be a bandh in one tehsil. The entire agitation will be peaceful. A rally will be held in Panaji on August 29, to demand resumption of mining immediately after Ganesh Chaturthi festival which starts on September 9.

It's for almost one year that the mining has been stopped due to Supreme Court order forcing the people to lead a hand to mouth existence. 25 per cent of people in the state are dependent on mining, Fonseca said.