TEMP HALT ON STRIKE BY KHARIAWADDO RESIDENTS

VASCO: In a late evening development on Saturday, the Khariawaddo Affected People (KAP), has called off their agitation in abeyance till Monday, following an assurance given by the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, to fulfill their five demands.

Fr Bismarque Dias informed the media about the assurance given by the Chief Minister in a meeting held at the Secretariat on Saturday evening. He informed that Mr Kamat has assured to protect the remaining houses of the fishermen, located at Khariwada seashore. The other demands which were accepted by the Chief Minister were that the state government would ensure that the jurisdiction of MPT would remain till berth no-11; regularisation of the existing houses at Khariawaddo; to remove the platoons of CISF and to build a fishing jetty at Khariawaddo.

Fr Dias informed that the Chief Minister has also assured the members of the KAP to hand over them, by Monday, a copy of the minutes of the assurances given.

The fishermen have however warned that failing this the fishermen community would be forced to continue with their agitation, and that the government would be solely responsible for the consequences.

The KAP members also expressed confidence that the writ petition filed by the MPT against the illegal encroachment at Khariawaddo would be withdrawn, as this would give permanent relief to the fishermen from the demolitions.

Fr Dias has expressed gratitude to all concerned that supported the KAP in their agitation.  A public meeting was held on Saturday evening near Old Cross at Khariawaddo, to brief the people on the discussion held between KAP and the Chief Minister.