Panaji, Dec 18 (TOI): Chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Thursday urged political parties not to politicize ongoing tussle between mining company Vedanta and iron ore transporters over the transportation rate, which will further delay the resumption of mining in the state.

The Congress, on Wednesday, held a meeting with the protesting truck owners and extended their support in their protest. The party members then met with Parsekar and suggested that the government constitute a committee to look into the issue.

Speaking to mediapersons, Parsekar said, "We will try to solve the issue by taking the interest of all stakeholders into consideration."

Parsekar added that if political parties support the agitating truck owners, the resumption of mining activities may not see the light of day. "I am open to suggestions from independent and opposition MLAs on the issue," Parsekar added.

The chief minister stated that competition between political parties to resolve the tussle between the company and transporters will not have favourable results.

The state government, mining companies and truck owners' association have been negotiating the iron ore transportation rate during the past three months.

On April 21, 2015, the directorate of mines and geology notified 12.33 per ton per kilometre for the transportation of e-auction ore. But, transporters claim that truck owners have been paid only 8 per ton per kilometer for transportation of iron ore.

All Goa truck owners' association had demanded 17.63 per ton per kilometre for the transportation or iron ore.

Asked when the government will form a committee to solve the issue, Parsekar said a similar committee was formed earlier and if required one more committee may be formed.

Mining activities in Goa came to a halt in September 2012, after the Shah Commission report on illegal mining was tabled in parliament. On November 2013, the Supreme Court allowed the state government to e-auction extracted iron ore lying at jetties and mining plots. On April 21, 2014, the Supreme Court lifted the ban on iron ore activities in Goa with certain conditions.