ATTACK ON CALANGUTE FISHERMEN DENOUNCED

MAPUSA: Speakers flayed the attack on Calangute fishermen that took place at the Candolim jetty a few days back.  Speakers after speakers, which included panchayat members of the Calangute panchayat and zilla panchayat member, addressing at the meeting organised at Calangute felt that this was not the right way of treating fishermen of Calangute and warned of an agitation if things did not improve.

Former Calangute sarpanch, Mr Joseph Sequeira came down heavily on the Calangute MLA, who he alleged was creating trouble for the people of Calangute.  Stating that Mr Fernandes had got elected precisely on the support of people from Calangute including fishermen, Mr Sequeira said that the local MLA’s treatment to the fishermen of Calangute was the least thing expected from him.

"The local MLA should not forget that different people of Calangute including fishermen have helped him get elected and therefore this assault case would not be taken lightly. We also know to strike. It is not right to treat fishermen of Calangute in this manner" stated Mr Sequeira.

He also flayed the Calangute police for not filing an FIR in the matter, even though the case was of a serious nature.  "Goondaism is spreading rapidly in Calangute and the police must act to keep such goons at bay. We demand that the police register an FIR in the assault case and punish the guilty," he added.

He warned the local MLA not to resort to such tactics in the future. Mr Anthony Menezes. speaking on the occasion, also flayed the assault and said that he condemned the attack and favoured action against those involved.  Mr Menezes said that he would support the fishermen of Calangute in their fight against justice.

Fishermen from Calangute and Nerul were also present. Calangute sarpanch, Mr Alex Fernandes and other panch members were also present.  Calangute block BJP president, Mr Michael Lobo, who was present also spoke on the occasion.