VASCO
Strongly objecting to demands of Lamani hawkers for a separate fish market in Vasco, residents of Vasco and Mormugao have warned the Mormugao Municipal Council of strong repercussions if the council yielded to their demand.
Speaking to The Goan, Preetam Naik of Non-Mon Saibini Bhat in Vasco, said the MMC should flatly reject any demand for a separate fish market for the Lamani hawkers. “I don’t think that our people will be allowed to carry out similar business activity in Karnataka or in other states,” said Naik.
“If Goan fishing trawlers enter the waters of other states, the crew are either assaulted and nets damaged by local fishermen of the particular state, or the crew are arrested by the police and trawlers seized,” he said.
Augusto Godinho, a senior citizen from Baina, claimed that Lamani hawkers have been selling fish along the roadside, thereby affecting the business of local fisherwomen in Vasco fish market.
“As a citizen, I strongly object to a separate fish market for Lamani hawkers. I know that they also want to survive, but their act of attacking the local fisherwomen has wiped out any sympathy they used to enjoy,” he said.
Sanjive Pednekar from Headland Sada opined that with assembly elections round the corner, politicians are likely to capitalize on the issue and could well assure to provide the Lamani hawkers with an alternate market.
“I would like to caution politicians not to play vote-bank politics and I strongly object the demand made by Lamani hawkers,” added Pednekar.
Godinho also warned of a possible law-and-order problem if the council tried to play into the hands of politicians and decided to go ahead and fulfil the demand of the Lamani hawkers. “The locals will not hesitate to come on the roads to help local fisherwomen to protect their identity and livelihood,” said Godinho.
‘Will hold politicians
responsible for problem’
VASCO: The local fisher folk in Vasco have voiced outrage over attempts by the Lamani hawkers to have a fish market of their own in the port town.
“We are struggling with our fish sales. If the MMC bows to the demands, the problem will only aggravate. First, the Lamanis were selling fish along the roadside and now they want a separate fish market. Later, their demand will be even bigger,” said Carridade Pereira, leader of the local fisherwomen.
“We will not accept such a move and if the council goes ahead in providing a separate fish market, we will come on the streets and protest. If there is any law and order problem, the council and politicians supporting them will be responsible,” warned Pereira.
