Team Herald
PANJIM: The fish traders and vendors across the State would gather at historic Azad Maidan in Panjim on Monday to discuss the problems they are facing due to restrictions imposed on the vehicles importing fish into Goa.
The fisher folk claimed that the indirect ban has left around 5000-10,000 dependents jobless.
Association’s head Ibrahim Maulana said that all the traders and vendors would be meeting at Azad Maidan to discuss the issue and the way forward.
The meeting will be held at 11 am at Azad Maidan. “We are confident that government will work out some solution in the interest of the people,” he said.
Earlier in the week, the traders said that they don’t mind adhering to the guidelines proposed by FDA, but due to the “adamant behaviour” of the local bodies like Margao Municipal Council (MMC) and South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA), it becomes impossible to provide documents required to get the licence from the State government.
Demanding a ban on formalin, the traders have urged the FDA to establish labouratories in the fish markets to ensure that the product sold is free of formalin rather than stopping the trucks at the border.
Meanwhile, in a press statement issued, Margao Wholesale Fish Market Association strongly condemns Kankavli MLA Nitesh Rane for his statement against Goa and the people of the State.
“The statement by Rane is unwarranted and was instigating against Goans. We urge him not to issue such statements as the Association has full faith in Goa government to solve our problems. We appeal to Rane not to disturb the peaceful process, which we have adopted to solve the issue,” the association said.
The Association said that the fishermen are strongly opposed to use of violence as a means to get their issue sorted out.
