Herald: A lot has happened in the last two days. What is your overall reaction?
Minguel Rodrigues: Whatever is happening is shocking and sad. After all, Goans should come together and decide how we have to move further. We don’t want a law and order situation. We also condemn the brutality of the police action on the traditional ramponkars. While we may have strong differences in opinion, the way forward is hopefully through dialogue. We are also against the manner in which the government is handling this. The kind of action and pressure against us is creating a bad atmosphere and precedent.
Herald: What about the demand that the boat owners should remove the LED lights immediately and the notification that has been issued?
Rodrigues: Yes we are stopping at the moment and will respect the law, since the notification has been issued. Those who are currently at sea will return but those who venture out won’t use it. However, we want to ask what action the fisheries department has taken against its earlier notifications on the type of gears that are banned. No action has been taken there and they are not bothered. We condemn this selective aggressive action.
Herald: Are you still pushing for a joint meeting given that these incidents can change the fishing industry?
Rodrigues: Yes we are definitely looking at calling for a joint meeting. We also have video proof about traditional fishermen doing illegal activities. Let’s see what action the fisheries department will take. Or do we have to come on the streets and only then they will act as that is the precedent that is being set. There has to be fair judgment and assessment by hearing both sides. We have presented scientific proof. The notification talks about science but has there been application to scientific theories or examples of other states/countries using it. There can’t be a ban like this in isolation only in Goa. We are opposing the ban. Our use of technology is a matter of surviving and being competitive. The rates of fish in the market have already reduced. We can’t blatantly say no to technological advancements.
