Daijiworld Media Network - Karwar (SP)

Karwar, Dec 18: Goa government is learnt to be making up its mind to allow inflow of fish from Karnataka and other neighbouring states into the state as it is under pressure from local fishermen to do so.

Fishermen organizations from Goa are up in arms against the Goan government for restricting entry of fish from nearby states. On Monday December 17, the Goan fishermen held a huge protest at Miramar beach, condemning the government's action. Under pressure, health minister of Goa, Vishwanath Rane, is said to have been favourably considering their demand.

The fishermen who came together in large numbers on Monday at Miramar near Panaji raised slogans against the government. All Goa Fishermen's Association and Goa Purse Seine Boat Owners Association led the protesters. They said that because of the action of the Goa government in blocking import of fish from other states, fishermen in Karnataka have been blocking entry of Goan fish vehicles into their state. As such, fish worth lacs of rupees are being destroyed every day. In the past, fish from Karwar, Tadadi and Bhatkal used to enter Goa, and fish from Goa used to be taken to Karnataka. Because of the blocking of fish transport, fishermen of both the states are suffering, they said.

The fishermen raised slogans against Goa health minister, Vishwajit Rane, for making fishermen suffer. Fishermen leaders held discussions with minister Rane after the protest. Harshad Dhond, president of All Goa Fishermen's Association, speaking to media persons later, said that under pressure from fishermen, the health minister has promised to clear import of fish into the state from up to a distance of 60 km from Goa border.