VASCO
Unhappy over inaction by Vasco Police and Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), local fish vendors from Vasco on Wednesday caught five Lamani hawkers selling fish at New Vaddem, Vasco.
“Time and again, the local fish vendors had brought to the notice of MMC Chairperson Deepak Naik to inform the police to initiate action against the Lamanis selling fish along the roadside. We had even filed a complaint with Vasco Police and MMC against the Lamanis, but till date no action has been initiated,” said Dulcina D’Souza, a leader of local fish vendors, while speaking to The Goan.
“We met Naik twice to direct the police to stop roadside sale of fish. Naik told us that instead of a written complaint, he verbally informed the police to initiate action,” added D’Souza.
“On Monday, when some other fisherwomen and I went to stop the Lamani hawkers, they started pelting stones at us and despite calling the Vasco Police, they failed to come to our protection. We requested Naik to file a complaint against the Lamani hawkers selling fish along the roadside and near KTC bus stand, but he failed to do so,” added D’Souza.
Another leader, Angela D’Souza, said if their van transporting fish from Margao to Vasco spills fish water on the road, then the traffic police issue a challan of Rs 200.
“The Lamani hawkers sell fish near KTC bus stand and other areas along the roadside, which causes major traffic problem, but the traffic police turn a blind eye to these activities,” said Angela.
Caridade Pereira said due to inaction by police and MMC, the local fish vendors had to stop their business on Wednesday. “It looks like MMC officials and councillors and the police want us to take law into our own hands,” said Pereira.
“After our action on Wednesday, the police detained five Lamani hawkers for selling fish. Tomorrow, it could be a fight as male counterparts of the Lamani hawkers may get involved. If there is a major fight between the Lamani hawkers and local fisherwomen, the police and municipal administration will be held responsible,” warned Pereira.
When contacted, Vasco Police said five Lamani hawkers were detained and were later left after a warning not to sell fish along the roadside.
