Sonshi villagers stage dharna seeking release of ore transportation protestors

Sonshi villagers stage dharna seeking release of ore transportation protestors.
More than 40 villagers including children and women from Sonshi in Sattari taluka, on Sunday evening, staged a dharna at the Valpoi police station in protest against the arrest of some villagers.
It may be noted that over 300 Sonshi villagers had staged protest against dust and water pollution on account of ore transportation claiming that they have been ‘denied the right to fresh air and water.’ Around 45 villagers, protesting against the mining companies and government authorities, were arrested for stopping the ore transportation.
They are in judicial lockup at Colvale for the last five days.
The villagers have been demanding with the mining company to reduce the dust pollution occurring on account of the ore transportation, claiming that they are facing health problems due to the dust pollution.
They have also been demanding with the company to provide jobs to the locals.
We asked for water, medical care and employment.
Another aggrieved village woman cried out saying that since they belong to the SC community and are financially weak, it is very difficult for them to bail out their family members.
They also said that no political leader is ready to resolve the matter, despite the issue raised several times.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that Judicial Magistrate First Class, Sattari has granted bail to the 45 Sonshi villgers, who are behind bars.