We were hit since Casinos could not function for two days

Herald: What is your reaction to the lathi-charge of GRE members and supporters by the police in Panjim?

Olencio Simoes: We condemn it and without warning and without order, the SP lathi charged us and even went to houses, hotel and ferries to hit unarmed peaceful protestors. It appears pre-planned as some unknown person threw a stone first. We had gone to meet the fisheries director as we were promised that action would be initiated and multiple excuses were given and we saw to it that all that was sorted and even made way for the fisheries vessel to go to sea to catch the trawlers that had LED lights. After backtracking on promises to fishermen who are worried about their livelihood, we were beaten black and blue. This is a betrayal of the legacy of the late Matanhy Saldanha who has come on the streets in the past. We suspect that we were hit as the government was under pressure that casinos were being blocked for two days.

Herald: There is criticism that you are still protesting even after the notification was issued?

Simoes: The notification is an eyewash. There was another notification issued in April which said that LED lights are illegal and that a permit is required for fishing outside 12 nautical miles. No action was taken. Now after the notification was issued on the first day of our strike, the fisheries director had said that the coast guard and helicopters would bring in trawlers and we had given them a list of 58 trawlers. 

Herald: Are you satisfied with the meetings with the Fisheries Minister and Chief Minister?

Simoes: Not at all. The chief minister said the police were only ‘dispersing the crowd’ and while we were explaining what had happened, he walked off and said talk to the fisheries minister. We went to meet the Chief Minister after the fisheries minister told us to meet him. The people at the highest position are not taking responsibility. The fisheries minister has now signed a letter to the CM. We also believe that the government is trying to protect Velim MLA Benjamin Silva (who is a purse seine trawler owner. GRE has alleged that Benjamin Silva’s trawler also has LED lights).