Heavy machinery movement at Honnavar on Kasarkod beach

Heavy machinery movement was seen today at Kasarkod Beach in Honnavar today. Policeman is seen escorting the heavy vehicles meant to destroy Honnavar beach for sure. Local people at Kasarkod Beach are opposed to the Port project and their opposition in February 2025 was greeted with violent police reprisal on the villagers and arrests and detention for over 20 days at Darwad jail. 

Police repression and ecologically detective projects has come to be the hallmark of current Congress Government in Karnataka. Few weeks ago Rahul Gandhi was seen jostling with fishermen in Bihar and he cares a dam for plight of fishers in Honnavar at Kasarkod Beach.

Exact Flaws at Honnavar Port affairs at Kasarkod

 

To,

The Member Secretary

State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Karnataka

Room No. 706, 7TH Floor, 4th Gate, M.S Building, 

Bangalore-560001, Karnataka

Email: msseiaakarnataka@gmail.com 

7th October 2025

Sub: Representation pursuant to the Hon’ble Supreme Court order in Civil Appeal No. 11021/2025 dated 8th September 2025 on M/s Honnavar Port Pvt Ltd

Reference: 

1. Representation dated 18th December 2024 to your office by ‘Karvali Menugarar Karmika Sanga’ & 3 others;

2. The Hon’ble Supreme Court order in Civil Appeal No. 11021/2025 dated 8th September 2025

Respected Sir,

It is respectfully submitted that on 8th September 2025, the Hon’ble Supreme Court, in Civil Appeal No. 11021/2025 (Karvali Menugarar Karmika Sanga v. SEIAA & Anr), was pleased to hold that “it is well open to the appellant to approach the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, as law so provides”, when hearing the claim of the Appellant that they have not been recognised as stakeholders and hence their grievances have not been heard, or factored in. A copy of the Hon’ble SC order is annexed as Annexure–1.

It is pertinent to state that, owing to the decision of your office to exempt the requirement of public hearing at the stage of issuance of the Terms of Reference (ToR) on 12th August 2024, the fisherfolk community has been denied its rightful opportunity to raise objections and concerns with respect to the proposed Honnavar Port. This denial was further compounded when a fresh public hearing was not conducted at the stage of issuance of the Environmental Clearance dated 31st December 2024.

It may be recalled that the affected fisherfolk along with civil society representatives had, by way of a representation dated 18th December 2024, already placed on record their specific concerns regarding the impacts of the port and its allied infrastructure. However, till date, no response has been received to the said representation. A copy of the 18th December 2024 representation is annexed as Annexure-2.

Be that as it may, and in continuation of our earlier submissions, and in compliance of the Order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court , we now seek to place before your office serious concerns and material discrepancies relating to the port project and its allied infrastructure, which directly affect the lives and livelihood of the Kasarkod fisherfolk community.

Misrepresentation of Kasarkod Fishing Port as ‘Fish Landing Centre’ in CZMP Map No. 25: It is submitted that the existing Kasarkod Fishing Port, situated in Kasarkod village on the left banks of the Sharavathi river, has been erroneously shown as a ‘Fish Landing Centre’ in the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) Map No. 25. A copy of CZMP Map No. 25 is annexed as Annexure-3. 

In contrast, the small fish landing area at Honnavar side (on the right bank of Sharavathi river) has been incorrectly demarcated as a ‘Fishing Port’. 

Information obtained under RTI confirms that, by Government Order No. AHF 51 SFS 2015, Bangalore, dated 15th September 2016, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, in exercise of its powers under Section 2(g) of the Karnataka Marine Fisheries (Regulation) Act, 1986, has formally declared Kasarkod Harbour, Honnavar, as a ‘Fishing Port’.

Furthermore, the Government Order dated 15th September 2016 clarifies that no ‘Fish Landing Centre’ exists in Honnavar Taluk. Therefore, the current CZMP demarcation is factually inaccurate and contrary to the official Government notification. 

It is pertinent to highlight that the CZMP Maps for the State of Karnataka prepared under CRZ Notification 2019 suffers from various shortcomings. To name a few- misrepresentation of existing fishing infrastructure, non-demarcation of fisher folk houses and coastal commons, non-demarcation of Kasarkod as Turtle nesting beach, demarcation of Port Limits covering our properties without consultation, etc. 

It is pertinent to highlight that as per Para 6 (vi) of the CRZ Notification, 2019 the State has the power to revisit the CZMP maps. The highlighted discrepancies is reason enough for such a revision.  

A copy of the RTI response inclusive of Government Order No. AHF 51 SFS 2015, Bangalore, dated 15th September 2016 is annexed as Annexure-4. 

The alignment and width of the proposed port connectivity road have undergone significant changes since the Public Hearing conducted on 27th January 2012: As per the EIA Report submitted in 2012 for obtaining Environmental Clearance, the connectivity road was proposed by expanding the existing single-lane road along the shoreline, running parallel to the coast for approximately 4 km from the project site through Kasarkod village up to National Highway-66, with a proposed width of 25 metres.

In contrast, the EIA Report submitted in 2024 now proposes an entirely different alignment. The connectivity road is planned parallel to the existing road but at an offset distance of about 100 metres, with a reduced total length of 2.58 km from NH-66 to the project site, and an increased width of 30 metres.

Further, a survey conducted in February 2025 was specifically intended to identify and demarcate households and community property within 35 metres from the High Water Mark that would be directly impacted by this revised alignment.

It is evident that there has been a substantial change in the material particulars relating to the alignment, length, and width of the port connectivity road passing through the sea shore of Kasarkod village. These alterations, introduced after the Public Hearing of 2012, constitute significant deviations that were never placed before the affected communities for consultation.

Survey of Fisherfolk Properties Impacted by 35m Wide Road Conducted in Secrecy (February 2025): It has come to light, through information obtained under the Right to Information Act from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Karwar, that a survey of fisherfolk properties falling within 35 metres of the High Water Mark was completed on 26th February 2025 and the report on the same was circulated between various Government Department by 21st May 2025. However, this report has neither been made available to the Kasarkod Gram Panchayat nor shared with the fishing unions and affected fisherfolk whose properties and livelihoods stand to be directly impacted by the proposed port access road.

It is further submitted that the survey grossly underestimates the number of infrastructures and fishing-related sheds that will be lost due to the construction of the 35-metre-wide road. RTI response dated 1st August from Deputy Commissioner, Karwar is hereto marked and annexed as Annexure-5. 

Omission of Kasarkod Village from the List of Impacted Fishing Villages in the EIA Report

It is submitted that the EIA Report (Chapter 3: Description of Environment, Table 3-35) lists 17 fishing villages along with details on the number of families, traditional fishermen families, BPL families, and fisherfolk population, purportedly sourced from the CMFRI Fishery Census Handbook 2016 for Karnataka State.

However, the details pertaining to Kasarkod village, where the proposed port project is located, have been entirely omitted in the report submitted by HPPL.

As per the CMFRI Fishery Census Handbook (2016), Kasarkod village comprises 752 fishermen families, including 719 traditional fishermen families, 696 BPL families, and a total fisherfolk population of 3,736.

It is further significant to highlight that Kasarkod village hosts the largest fisherfolk population in the entire Honnavar Taluk. The deliberate exclusion of this vital data renders the EIA report incomplete, misleading, and in violation of the requirement to present a true and comprehensive picture of the project’s social and livelihood impacts.

The report in its entirety can be accessed at the link below:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1V-GuQPbgU0jcjtgiSU651xxX5GJfB-i7?usp=sharing

 

Non-disclosure on Rehabilitation and Resettlement that it ought to arise from the road and rail connectivity: It is submitted that the proposed 2.58 km long road and 8.5 km railway network is aligned through the coastal village of Kasarkod which as per 2016 data is inhabited by 752 fisherfolk families and has a total population of 3,736 individuals. It is submitted that all these fisherfolk families in Kasarkod village were granted land by the Government of Karnataka in 1979 and were rehabilitated from flood affected village of Mallukurva. Since then, they have inhabiting on the same land and has been paying taxes and levies to the Government.  

The EIA report submitted by HPPL fails to acknowledge the existence of such a huge fisherfolk population in the nearest vicinity of the project and makes no provision for their rehabilitation and resettlement. 

In fact, Chapter 7 of the EIA report under Table 7-1: Public Hearing Action Plan, responding to a specific objection raised during the PH about the land acquisition, the proponent vehemently denies the requirement of private land acquisition and requirement of rehabilitation. Notably, the Project Engineer of the Project Proponent has himself publicly stated that 101 structures are falling on the 35 meter road being planned to be built along with the port, which indicates that there is need for rehabilitation.

Provision of Turtle Conservation Plan: The EIA Report refers to a Turtle Conservation Plan in Appendix Q, which has not been made available on the Parivesh Portal. Accordingly, it is requested if a copy of the said Turtle Conservation Plan can be shared with the undersigned.

In light of the above, it is respectfully submitted that the Honnavar Port project suffers from serious procedural lapses, misrepresentations, and material omissions that strike at the root of its validity under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), 2006 framework and the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019. The denial of public hearing, the misclassification of fishing infrastructure in the CZMP, the omission of Kasarkod village and its large fisherfolk population from the EIA, the non-disclosure of rehabilitation and resettlement obligations, and the secretive and inaccurate survey of properties cumulatively demonstrate a failure to uphold the principles of transparency, natural justice, and participatory decision-making mandated under law.

Given the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order dated 8th September 2025, affirming our right to approach this Authority, we humbly request that the SEIAA:

Reconsider and review the Environmental Clearance granted to M/s Honnavar Port Pvt Ltd on 31st December 2024, in light of the discrepancies and omissions detailed herein;

Direct a fresh and comprehensive assessment, including mandatory public hearing, with full participation of the fisherfolk of Kasarkod and other affected villages;

Ensure a transparent re-survey of properties and infrastructures affected by the proposed 35-metre-wide port access road, with prior notice to and participation of the Kasarkod Gram Panchayat and the fishing unions; and

Take all further steps necessary to safeguard the rights, livelihoods, and environment of the Kasarkod fisherfolk community.

We, the affected fisherfolk and their union, therefore pray that this Authority act in the spirit of fairness and legality to ensure that the Honnavar Port project does not proceed at the cost of our community’s survival and the fragile coastal ecology.

Respectfully,

          Sd/-

(Rajesh Govind Tandel)

President, Karvali Menugarar Karmika Sanga 

Copy marked to:

The Additional Chief Secretary 

Government of Karnataka, 

Forest, Ecology & Environment Department, 

M.S.Building, Dr.Ambedkar Veedhi, Bangalore – 560 001

Email: prs-fee@karnataka.gov.in 

Director of Ports & Member (Maritime & IWT Operations)

Directorate of Ports & IWT, Baithkol, Karwar

Email: directoratep@gmail.com 

Directorate of Fisheries Government of Karnataka

3RD FLOOR, TOWER Dr, PODIUM BLOCK, 

Vishweshwaraiah Rd, Ambedkar Veedhi, Vasanth Nagar, 

Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Email: dfkamataka@rediffmail.com 

Deputy Commissioner, Karwar

Uttar Kanada district, Karwar-581301

Email: dckarwar@gmail.com 

Letter to Karwar Deputy Commisioner on Police repression at Tonka and Keni in Uttar Kannada

From:

Sebastiao Rodrigues

General Secretary,

National Federation of Small-Scale Fishworkers (NFSF),

20/4, Sil Lane, 

Kolkata - 700 015

Mobile: 9923336347

E-mail: inlandfisheries.india@gmail.com 

Date: 27 February 2025

Ref. no. NFSF/GS/Kar-01/25

To,

K. Laxmipriya

Deputy Commisioner,

Karwar,

Uttar Kannada,

Karnataka,

India 

Email: dckarwar@gmail.com 

Phone: 9483511015, 9791099097, 9449589597

Subject: Police repression against fishing communities at Keni, Ankola on 24.02.2025 and at Kasarkod, Honnavar on 25.02.2025...Regarding.

Madam,

We are constrained to draw your attention to the following two media reports:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/fishermen-and-women-jump-into-sea-to-oppose-keni-commercial-port-in-karnataka/article69257361.ece

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/protest-against-port-intensifies-in-uk-dist/articleshow/118564021.cms

We are shocked to note that your office authorised Police action on small scale fishing communities on the coast of Keni village in Ankola Taluka and in Kasarkod village in Honnavar Taluka back to back on 24 and 25 February 2025.

We have got reports that fishing communities in both the localities are fiercely opposed to the proposed Port projects and your office is providing Police protections to protect Port developers. 

We consider that it is of utmost urgency that coast is defended from such developments as it threatens not only fishing based livelihoods but also community identity as fishers. And we are already aware the irreversible damage faced by fishing communities due to Port installations in Karwar. We got to lessons from this rather than committing more such follies.

We have also received information that 45 fisher people of Kasarkod, Honnavar are criminally chared under as many as thirteen sections of BNS that attracts punishment extending to death sentence and life sentence. This is the reward State administration has bestowed upon these fishers for demonstrating their intention to protect the coast at Tonka, Kasargod that is Turtle Nesting site from permanent damage through Port project. Amongst those criminally charged includes 38 men and 07 women named in FIR registered against them at Honnavara Police station on 25.02.2025 with 0049/2025 as crime number.

What is shocking is that amongst those criminally charged includes also those who were not present to commit the offences they are supposed to have committed. The example of Ganapati Tandel and Renuka Ganapati Tandel is one of the glaring one as they were in transit from Mangalore to Bengaluru on 25.02.2025 evening flight.

The choice of names in FIR indicates malafide intention of mass criminalization of fishing communities to instill fear amongst fearless, courageous and dignified fishers of Kasarkod.

As we came to know through media reports that fishers have been in opposition to Port project for past four years it looks to be desperate attempt of State administration to tag these fishers as criminals once again. We are aware that this was attempted earlier too.

Times of India links we shared on this report has interesting conclusion that we wish to quote for you here "While the government views the port construction as a means to boost trade and commerce, fishermen fear loss of their livelihood." NFSF stands on the side of fishermen and express our total outrage againt all the intimidating tactics adopted against fishing communities both in Ankola and Honnavara coasts.

In Kasarkod 1000 Policemen were brought in to protect surveyors landside of the HTL while people gathered on the beach on inter-tidal space and water. Few Policemen were spotted without their name plates and buckle numbers on their uniforms. Additionally few Policemen covered their faces with black masks which was very suspicious act in itself as we noticed from the photos circulating on social media.

We got reports that police entered people's houses later in the evening and whisked away people to police vans to bebtaken into police custody.

We really want you to take through the labyrinths of criminality attributed to dignified fishermen and fisherwonen of Kasarkod. Here are the 13 sections of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023:

Section on fisherfolk at Tonka;

109; Attempt to murder. This attracts even life sentence.

115(2); Punishment for voluntarily causing 

hurt. This attracts one year in Prison

121(1);Voluntarily causing hurt or grivious hirt to deter public servant from his duty. This has five year jail term

 126(2); Wrongful restraint. This attracts one month imprisonment.

132; Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty. This attracts two years imprisonment. 

189(2);Unlawful assembly- Being member of 

unlawful assembly. This attracts six months jail term.

190;Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object.

191(2); Rioting- Punishment for rioting. Two years jail term.

351(3); Criminal intimidation punishment. This attracts jail sentence of seven years.

352; Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace. This attracts two years imprisonment.

49; Punishment of abetment if act abetted is committed in consequence and where no express provision is made 

for its punishment.

61(2); Criminal conspiracy punishment. This attracts death sentence.

74; Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty. This attracts punishment of five years imprisonment.

And now we wish to reproduce names of fishers of Kasarkod recorded in FIR mentioned above. We start with seven women accused:

1. Parvati Datta Tandel

2. Recharge Rajesh Tandel

3. Bharati Rajesh Tandel

4. Renuka Ganapati Tandel

5. Vimala Kamalakar

6. Yashoda Devendra Tandel

7. Vishala Shantaram Tandel

And now 38 fishermen of Kasarkod accused:

1. Rajesh Govind Tandel

2. Hamja Patel

3. Raju Datta Tandel

4. Mahamad Koya Sab

5. Vivan Felison Fernandes

6. Rajesh Sheshagiri Tandel

7. Ayub Sab

8. Bhaskar Tandel

9. Ramesh Babu Tandel

10. Manjunath Devayya Tandel

11. Manoj Sheshagiri Tandel

12. Yasin Hamja Sab

13. Ganapati Tandel

14. Ramesh Manjunath Tandel

15. Manjunath Pandurang Tandel

16. Raghuvendra Prakash Tandel

17. Made Janna Tandel

18. Siyab Shaikh Kunji Sab

19. Rajesh Mohan Tandel

20. Mahammad Yahya Mohammad Sab Baba

21. Nagaraj Devappa Tandel

22. Basheer Ismail Patel

23. Mahammad Abdul Patel

24. Tamum Jameer Sab

25. Suleman G.H. Hassan

26. Siraj Hamjad Sab

27. Sachin Chandra Tandel

28. Sandeep Ramdas Tandel

29. Narasimha Nanda Tandel

30. Salman Khan Ismail Sab

31. Subray Damu Tandel

32. Harsha Pandurang Tandel

33. Kiran Ramchandra Mesta

34. Shantaram Manjunath Tandel

35. Vinay Krishna Tandel

36. Manjunath Tandel

37. Ashfaq Mahhamad Nellikum

38. Ramesh Manjunath Tandel

And the team that criminalized these fishers all have common address: Port office, Honnavar, R/o Sea Bird Road, Baithkol, Karwar, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka

The one signed as complainant is Sayinath Narayan Pednekar. And five names that appears in FIR includes Matesh Fernandes, Roshan Gunagi, Vivek Savant, Batte A.Y. and Vinayak Datta Naik. 

Please convey our strongest outrage to the Karnataka administration that has unleashed Police terror though your office against fishing communities defending their lives and fishing based livelihoods. 

We hereby call upon your office: 

1. To stop harrarrasing and criminalizing fishing communities who live dignified life though their fishing based hard labour. Neither State nor Corporate has right to expell them from the coast. 

2. To withdraw all the criminal cases filed against fishers on 25.02.2025 as mentioned above. We call upon your office to get the FIR quashed.

Fishers in Uttara Kannada deserve much better treatment than the way your office is perceiving them as criminals that are to be banished from the coast. This is indeed abuse of your office to launch something heineou against fishing communities who are first defence of our coasts. It is deeply regrettable to note the way your office is treating fishing communities in insulting manner.

Awaiting your quick and decisive response in defence of fishing communities.

Thanking you, 

Yours Truly,

Sebastiao Rodrigues

General Secretary, 

National Federation of Small-Scale Fishworkers (NFSF)

Copy to:

1. All concerned government authorities 

2. Fishing communities on the coast of Uttara Kannada District.

Press Statement in support of Rama Kankonkar and Arturo D’Souza

The undersigned organisations and individuals strongly condemns attempts of the State Government in collusion with vested interests to tag Rama Kankonkar and Arturo D’Souza - well known for their activities in defence of ecology and environment – based on letter inward at Agassaim Police Station. This fact came to light when few days ago Rama Kankonkar was called at the Agassaim Police Station after serving call letter. It is fundamental duty of every citizen of India to protect environment under Article 51-A(g) of the Constitution of India. However over the past few years Rama Kankonkar as well as Arturo D’Souza has been harassed and subjected to private violence making mockery of the law and order situation in Goa while engaged in task of environment protection especially with regard inclusion of PDAs to urbanise, protection of Chimbel lake from proposed IT park and movement to protect Bondvol lake at Santa Cruz village and get it recognise as Wetland. 

Both Arturo and Rama are also outspoken about the illegal fishing in Zuari River by use of trawl nets and purse seine nets and offered their support to traditional fishing community using Gill nets. Currently Rama and Arturo are contributing immensely towards study of Coastal Management Plan (CZM) that is to come up for Public Hearing on July 07, 2019, and creating awareness in different parts of Goa specially Tiswadi. Rama Kankonkar is also courageous to expose CRZ violations carried on the banks of Cumbharjua River by brother of Goa’s Revenue Minister Rohan Khaunte.

The undersigned organisations and individuals strongly condemn today afternoon’s act of violence on Rama Kankonkar’s private car parked at his residence in Curca suffering damage. This act of violence is carried on in order to instill fear and silence vibrant voice of Rama Kankonkar. This latest attack not only reflects growing frustration of the vested corporate interests out to destroy environment of Tiswadi Taluka but also collapse of the Law and Order machinery in the State of Goa. Goa’s Home Minister must resign immediately as he has failed to provide adequate security to Rama Kankonkar.

We pledge our support to Rama Kankonkar who is also the office bearer of GAKUVED and Arturo D’Souza till Justice is done, violence stops, Environment protected, ecology restored and urbanising trends reversed.

Attack on Jose Oliviera at Merces

Today July 19, 2018 at  10.30 am Jose Oliveira was brutally attacked near Merces Panchayat. According to reports from Old Police Station his complaint has been received and he has been sent medical tests at Goa Medical College, Bambolim. Jose Oliveira is involved in active resistance against filling of paddy fields in Goa and complaining on various CRZ violations. Sources indicate that Oliveira was bleeding through the nose after attack in full day light. Bharat Mukti Morcha condemns this ghastly act of violence. Please call Old Goa Police Station and insist that FIR be registered in this case. Here is landline of Old Goa Police Station : 08322285301.

Second attack on Sonshi mining protester

Bharat Mukti Morcha, Goa Unit condemns second attack on Surendra Sablo Gawde early morning today July 17, 2018 in Sonshi, Sattari, Goa while on his way back home after night duty at work. He is leading protest against mining industry and has filed several petitions in Courts in Goa. Two men wearing black dresses with masks and with knives attacked him on Sonshi internal road. He managed to escape without sustaining any injury leaving his bike on the spot.

Surendra Gawade and GAKUVED Federation had filed complaint on 12.07.2018 at the Valpoi police station, office of the SP and before the ST Commission about the threat call and first attack.

Surendra Gawade and the mining affected villagers had filed petitions in the High Court, Goa Human Rights Commission and Goa ST Commission against the mining companies earlier this year for various violations by the mining companies.

No action by the Goa police or concern authorities till date. No FIR has been registered so far. It appears that all authorities are hand in gloves to intimidate Surendra Gawade and the tribal villagers of Sonshi. This incident proves collapse of constitutional machinery in Goa and rule of Manusmriti enforced deliberately for bamon supremacy and capitalism aggression.     

The very fact that in spite of nearly 2,000 personnel with Goa police Surendra is attacked by armed goons is clear sign that the command structure of goons has positive nexus with local MLA as well the Home Minister. It is totally unthinkable that when Goa has such good police system open attacks are launched against citizens. It looks as if Goa government is driving State of Goa towards civil war.

Attack on Surendra is the latest in the series of attacks witnessed recently like that on Nilesh Gaonkar and Ravindra Velip of Cavrem, Rama Kankonkar and Arturo D'Souza of Tiswadi. Lessons of history teach us that for the survival of Bamon Raj violence is actively engaged as strategy. 

Goa's home ministry even inducted special secretary who is an IAS officer Anjali Sherawat and several IPS officers and yet law and order is allowed to breach to benefit mining industry by violating Right to Life and creating fear in Society. People of Goa will be left with no option but to set Manusmriti ablaze in every vaddo of every village and city of Goa.

Jai Mulnivasi!

Acid attack on mining opponent in Honda, Sattari

Bharat Mukti Morcha, Goa Unit condemns acid attack and threats to Sonshi mining protestor. Surendra Shablo Gawde from Sonshi, Sattari, Goa leads protest against open cast iron ore mining industry that compose of Vedanta, Sesa Goa, Quenim, Salgaocars amongst others.  Surendra is currently facing intimidation and threats from unknown culprits.  On June 30, 2018 unknown Hindi speaking man dashed against Surendra on the main road in Honda, Sattari, Goa; put something in his hand on Surendra's back shoulder and then quickly apologized and went away. Surendra proceeded home and found himself uneasy at shoulder back. He asked his mother to check his back and mother found bubbles underneath his skin. Not suspecting anything serious Surendra began treating wounds with home remedies but wound was slow to heal.

Then after four days on July 04, 2018 Surendra got an internet call on his mobile without any number. Caller identified himself as the same person who has dashed against him at Honda road and thrown acid on his back. Caller did not disclose his name and address but demanded that he withdraws all the cases against mining companies filed by him in various legal authorities.

  

After this Surendra informed his collaborators and villagers, and filed complaint at Valpoi Police Station where Shivram Vaingankar is currently Police Inspector. Police did not register FIR. On July 13, 2018 Surendra was called to the Police Station and taken for medical check up at Valpoi Health Centre, Valpoi. Doctor-on-duty after examining Surendra told him that he had wasted his half an hour and henceforth not to oppose mining industry in Sonshi. Identity of this doctor needs to be traced for giving such nasty advice. Police has to investigate whether local MLA Viswajit Rane is involved in pressurizing the doctor to communicate this message to all the mining protesters in Goa.  

  

Question arises as to whether this type of attack was on any bamon or Chief Minister or Ministers or Governor or IAS officer or IPS officer or IFS officer would police be as lazy as in this case of Surendra Sablo Gawde? Or are police under order from Home Ministry to act lazy so that extra-legal agents prowling around could intimidate protesters against mining?

Bharat Mukti Morcha express total support and solidarity with Surendra Sablo Gawde and his organization - GAKUVED. Bharat Mukti Morcha calls for investigations from Cyber crime cell in order to detect identity of the culprit and enforce arrest. If Goa's Home Minister wants he can easily find identity of the culprit and master mind behind this. The problem is that Home Minister of Goa is also the Mining minister. 

   

Discuss this message with at least five people in your contact. Then form local action group wherever you are to follow up on the matter. Together lets march towards Justice, together let’s build up Peace. Let’s together destroy dominating powers against humanity and against ecology. 

Jai Mulnivasi!

Traditional Fishermen under attack in Zuari, nets torn by marauding mini per seine boats

In a fresh incident of illegal fishing through mini per seine Zuari today morning around 60 mini- per seine boats not only carried on illegal fishing in Zuari but also torn off fishing nets of fishermen from Cacra coast. Fisheries department has issued standing instruction against mini- per seining fishing within 5 km from the shore and banned from fishing in Zuari river. Click here for the document.

Sanjay Pereira's fishing nets were torn apart today morning. Fisheries department even though is aware of the habitual illegalities in Zuari sent their Patrol boat only at 11.00 am to the venue of illegalities when all the boats had gone away. It is not clear but certainly a matter of easy guess as to why Fisheries department is not ready to crack down on this illegal fishing.

Bharat Mukti Morcha condemns fresh violence in Zuari river and calls upon Department of Fisheries to station its patrol boat permanently in Zuari river so as to avoid these kinds of confrontations.

Race war against tribes in Goa over fishing in Zuari River

Date: 21^st November 2014

1 To, The Governor Government of Goa Dona Paula, Goa	2 To, The Chief Minister, Government of Goa Secretariat, Porvorim,  Goa
3 To, The Minister of Fisheries, Government of Goa, Secretariat, Porvorim, Goa	4 To, The Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, Secretariat, Porvorim, Goa
5 To, The Secretary (Fisheries) Government of Goa, Secretariat, Porvorim, Goa	6 To, The Under Secretary (Fisheries), Government of Goa, Secretariat, Porvorim, Goa
7 To, The Captain of Ports, River Navigation Department Panjim, Goa	8 To, The Director, Department of Tourism, Panjim,  Goa
9                         To, The Director, Department of Fisheries, Government of Goa, Panjim, Goa	10 To, The Collector (North Goa), Government of Goa Panjim, Goa
11 To, The Mamlatdar, Tiswadi Taluka, Panjim, Goa	12 To, The Director-General of Police (DGP) Police Headquarters, Panjim, Goa
13 To, The Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Porvorim, Goa	14 To, Vishnu Surya Wagh The Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) St. Andre Constituency, Goa
15 To, The Parish Priest, Our Lady of Bethlehem, Bambolim Goa	16 To The Sarpanch, Village Panchayat of Curca – Bambolim- Talaulim Goa
17 To, The Sarpanch, Village Panchayat of Siridao Goa	18 To, The Sarpanch, Village Panchayat of Taleigao, Goa
19 To, The Sarpanch, Village Panchayat of Santa Cruz, Goa	20 To, The Parish Priest, Our Lady of Rosary Church, Siridao, Goa

Subject:  Race war against traditional Siridao, Bambolim, Nauxim, Cacra and Odxel fishermen in Zuari river by Hotel Grand Hyatt through water sports, Trawlers and Mini Purse seining

Sir/Madam,

1.   As you may be already aware that through water sports including speed boats Hotel grand Hyatt has waged a war against the traditional fishermen fishing in Zuari river on the coast of Siridao, Bambolim, Nauxim, Cacra and Odxel villages. The chronology of the warfare politics played out over the past one year by Hotel Grand Hyatt is as follows:

Ø November 2013 Bambolim based Hotel Grand Hyatt allows its premises for water Sports Company named Aqua Sail. Water sports boats found sailing in the waters of Zuari river.

Ø On 21^st November 2013 fishermen petitioned against water sports to Captain of Ports, Director of Fisheries, and concerned Panchayats of Zuari river coast from where affected traditional fishermen hail from.

Ø On 26^th November 2013 fishermen complaint against this water sports activities harming fishing activities. These fishermen are traditional fishermen using canoes for fishing purpose in Zuari River.

Ø On 26^th November 2013 No Objection Certificate (NOC) which was granted for water sports activities got revoked by fisheries department due to public pressure from fishermen.

Ø 10^th December 2013 fishermen wrote detailed complaint to Goa Fisheries Minister objecting to the water sports activities in Zuari river at Bambolim – Nauxi-Siridao-Cacra-Odxel coast which is signed by 291 fishermen.

Ø 15^th April 2014 NOC granted for water sports by Fisheries department.

Ø 19^th April 2014 Water sports company files police complaint against fishermen of Bambolim in Agassain Police station. Police Inspector Devendra Gad visits Bambolim beach and confronts fishermen and slaps one fisherman Vishnu Kankonkar at 6 pm. Fishermen called to the police station. Matter is ‘compromised’ as Company withdraws complaint.

Ø 25^th April 2014 - 20 water sports boats found obstructing traditional fishermen in Zuari River.

Ø 26^th April 2014 traditional fishermen launched fresh investigation as to who issued permission to the water sports boats after their NOC being revoked on 26^th November 2014.

Ø 02^nd May 2014 then Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado visited Bambolim Beach at 12.30 pm without prior intimation to fishermen. Around 50-60 fishermen voiced their grievances about water sports.

Ø 09^th May 2014 second letter of protest sent to Goa's Minister of Fisheries calling for immediate cancellation of No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued for speed boats to carry on water sports activities signed by 132 affected fishermen.

Ø From 19^th October 2014 water sports boats again found obstructing traditional fishermen in Zuari River this continues till date.

Ø On 11^th November 2014 officials of Hotel Grand Hyatt contacted Raghuvir Kankonkar and offered to bribe him. Raghuvir Kankonkar is a father of Vishnu Kankonkar who was slapped by PI Devendra Gad on 19^th April 2014. Raghuvir refused bribe citing that he is not interested in compromise and he wants river protected for fishermen and their future generations.

Subversion of ministry roles

It is evident from the above chronology that there has been subversion of roles of the fisheries ministry. Fisheries ministry that is supposed to protect the interest of fishermen has been made to sacrifice interest of fishermen and promote interest of the luxury tourism lobby. This is indeed very serious development that needs sufficient analytical attention. How can Fisheries ministry of Goa government destroy interest of fishermen? How can it in the first place grant NOC for water sports? After the protest letter from the fishermen NOC for water sports were revoked. And after four months and twenty days it was granted again. That means the power of the protest from the affected fishermen expired after this period and fresh protests had to be launched. Discussion held by the leaders of the movement with the Director of fisheries revealed that there has been application of political pressure to over ride the interest of the traditional fishermen who are largely STs and OBCs. Bulldozing of the interest of the traditional fishermen in Zuari river is in fact bulldozing of interests of STs and OBCs. This also means coming face-to-face with reality that Ministry of Fisheries has been working against the interest of ST and OBC in this matter on the banks of Zuari River. This form of racial discrimination practiced by Goa Government and Hotel Grand Hyatt needs open public acknowledgement and then mitigation. Failing on this part could snow ball into intensified tensions.

You are therefore advised to take immediate measures of cancelling permissions granted for water sports and speed boats and stop Hotel Grand Hyatt from operating their water sports boats and stop war against traditional fishermen.

2.   Trawling inside the Zuari River is causing great harm to the fisheries. Trawling inside rivers is banned by law and you are advised to implement the ban and stop this practice so deeply dangerous to sustenance of fishing by traditional fishermen. Trawling is allowed only 5 kms away from the beach inside Arabian Sea.

3.   We also noted that there is completely unsustainable fishing practice known as mini Purse seining currently in vogue in Zuari river. This is carried on by fishing vessels that are technologically equipped with under water cameras. The mini Purse seining fishing has already caused body blow to sustainable fisheries as the species of fish is destroyed completely with this mode of fishing. This commands immediate attention and action. You are advised to stop this on priority.

We want to let you know that Whites while taking control of America from the Red Indians resorted to mass hunting of the animals that Red Indians used to consume for living. Chief Seattle’s speech is rich in these expressions. It was a racist strategy by which Whites invaded American indigenous people. We are indigenous people of India and same racist warfare strategy has been deployed to destroy us by disrupting our traditional fishing in Zuari River through the above three points namely Water sports, trawling and Mini Purse seining.

Awaiting your positive response for the cause of humanity, ecology and sustainable fisheries,

Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours sincerely,

         Sd/-

Maggie Silveira

President, Bharat Mukti Morcha, Goa State Unit

          Sd/-

Rahul Gawas

Convener, Bharat Mukti Morcha, Tiswadi Taluka unit

         Sd/-

Sanjay Pereira

Convener, Bharat Mutkti Morcha, Cacra unit

           Sd/-

Rohidas Andrade

Convener, Bharat Mukti Morcha, Bambolim unit

           Sd/-

Soccoro Braganza

Convener, Bharat Mukti Morcha, Siridao unit

           Sd/-

Anthony Cardozo

Convener, Bharat Mukti Morcha, Curca Unit

        Sd/-

Sitaram Pereira

Convener, Bharat Mukti Morcha, Odxel Unit

       Sd/-

Milind Palkar

Convener, Bharat Mukti Morcha, Nauxi unit