VASCO
The ongoing tussle between local fish vendors and Lamani fish vendors turned violent at Vasco fish market, when the Lamani fish vendors allegedly attacked the local fish vendors on Tuesday morning.
According to sources, the local fish vendors on Saturday had tried to stop the lamani fish vendors from selling fish along the roadside and near KTC bus stand Vasco.
Some local fisherwomen allegedly spilled phenol and kerosene on the fish while the lamani fish vendors were near the KTC bus stand.
However, the issue was settled following the intervention of the police, and the vendors were let off with a warning.
“On Tuesday, local fisherwomen were taken by surprise when a group of lamani fish vendors along with their male counterparts allegedly tried to attack the local fisherwomen at Vasco fish market,” and eyewitness told The Goan.
“Other local fisherwomen rushed to the aid of their fellow vendors and in the bargain, a local fisherwoman lost a gold chain. However, timely intervention of the police brought the fight under control and the police directed both groups to report to Vasco Police station and resolve the issue,” the eyewitness said.
Speaking to The Goan, leader of the local fisherwomen, Carridade Pereira, said the lamani fish vendors were ruining their business by selling fish at every nook and corner of the port town. “Initially, the lamani were employed to deliver our fish baskets to the fish market and with the help of some trawler owners, the lamani fish vendors slowly started their own business,” said Pereira.
“We were surprised when the lamanis attacked us and this cannot take place without the help of the politicians and some trawler owners, who sell them the fish,” alleged Pereira.
“We don't want the lamanis to sell fish anywhere in the city and we request the police to stop them from selling fish on the roadside,” said Pereira.
The leader of the lamani fish vendors, Shanti Lamani, refuted allegations that they had gone to the market to assault the local fisherwomen.
“We had gone there to request the other lamanis to stop selling fish in the fish market,” said Shanti.
“Who are the local fisherwomen to object us from selling fish and tell us to leave this place and go to our native place,” asked Shanti.
“We are selling fish to earn our daily bread and we will continue to sell fish,” insisted Shanti.
Mormugao Police Kapil Nayak, who is also holding additional charge of Vasco Police station, said he has warned both parties not to repeat similar incidents in future.
“The issue should be resolved by the municipal council and the police can only book the Lamanis selling fish along the roadside and at KTC under Section 34 for causing inconvenience to vehicular movement.
Efforts to contact Mormugao Municipal Council chairperson Deepak Naik proved futile, as he failed to answer his mobile phone.
