VASCO
Accusing the politicians of abandoning them in their times of crisis, the local fish vendors of Vasco have warned that they would continue their fight against the Lamani fish hawkers with or without support of politicians.
Speaking to The Goan, leader of the local fish vendors, Caridade Pereira said all local fish vendors were upset with politicians for failing to intervene in the fight between local fish vendors and the Lamani fish hawkers as well as private vans selling fish at Chicalim, near KTC bus stand Vasco and at Headland Sada.
“The politicians didn’t even bother to enquire about the assault by the Lamani fish hawkers against some of us in the fish market, but they were quick to garner our support during the Baina huts demolition drive,” added Pereira.
“At one time, the Lamani fish hawkers used to carry fish baskets to the market, and now, they have outnumbered local fisherwomen and are trying to claim that they are also from the fishing community. During the Baina huts demolition, some politicians even went to the high court to obtain a stay, but they failed to come to our aid,” said Pereira.
Dulcina D’Souza, another leader of the local fish vendors, said politicians had shown their true colours by coming to beg for votes only during election.
“Assembly elections are round the corner and we will show these politicians their place when they come begging for votes. The politicians will also realize one day when one of the migrants gets elected as an MLA and bosses over them,” warned D'Souza.
“We will carry out our fight till the end with or without the support of politicians. Most locals who are our customers are strongly with us and have assured all their support,” said D’Souza.
D'Souza also vented her anger at some trawler owners for supporting the Lamani fish hawkers.
“This has created a divide among the fishing communities of Vasco and Baina, and politicians have taken advantage of this situation,” added D’Souza.
“I want to remind trawler owners that local fish vendors had strongly stood behind them when MPT was trying to take over the fishing jetty. MPT eventually had to withdraw its plans after being confronted by this unity,” she said.
Ending with a note of caution, D'Souza added: “Today, it is the local fish vendors facing problem from the Lamani fish hawkers, and tomorrow, it could very well be the trawler owners' turn to face the monster that they have created.”
