Team Herald
MARGAO: Traditional fishermen and boat owners from across Goa have demanded the immediate resignation of the Fisheries Director, the suspension of SP Karthik Kashyap, who allegedly ordered the lathi charge on fishermen in Panjim, and the release of 35 canoes seized by the police.
A day after fishermen were lathi-charged by Goa Police during a protest in Panjim, Goenchea Ramponnkarancho Ekvott held an emergency meeting at Velsao, which was attended by 13 traditional fishermen’s associations and five boat owners’ associations from across Goa. They decided to meet Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado once again at his residence and demand the immediate resignation of Fisheries Director Sharmila Monteiro, among other things.
During the meeting with Furtado at his residence, and a deadline (till the office closes) was given to him to seize the 58 purse seiners boats fitted with LED lights.
The fishermen also demanded a probe into Thursday’s “brutal” lathi charge, including the alleged order of lathi charge by SP Karthik Kashyap and the manhandling of women protesters by male police. They pointed out that the lathi charge was not ordered by the Collector or SDM and they termed it as “goondas in uniform charging at innocent traditional Goans who were protesting to protect their livelihood”.
The ramponnkars then demanded the suspension of SP Karthik Kashyap, who they claimed ordered the lathi charge, as well as the resignation of Fisheries Director Sharmila Monteiro. They also demanded the release of 35 canoes that were seized by the police and maintained that they had not done anything illegal.
“If the three demands are not met, the ramponnkars will intensify their agitation and will not be cowed down by police excesses. The crowd was dispersed to make way for the gamblers at the offshore casinos. They have more rights than our traditional Goans,” said Agnelo Rodrigues, GRE president.
After the meeting, Minister Furtado advised them to meet the Home Minister as the matter was under the jurisdiction of the Home Department. GRE then proceeded to meet the Chief Minister at his residence in Altinho.
