Diu fishermen accuse officials of harassment

RAJKOT: The fishing community, under the aegis of Diu Macchimar Boat Association, have demanded that an FIR be filed against the Diu deputy collector and other officials of the Union territory (UT) administration for harassment and criminal intimidation.
A jetty was constructed behind the Diu petrol pump over two decades ago on the demand of the local fishermen. Over 80 boats can be parked there during the monsoon.
Fishermen have alleged that the UT administration was forcing them to evacuate the jetty which they have been using since years to park their boats during monsoon.
According to sources, the district administration was planning to construct a waterfront like infrastructure from Ghoghla bridge to the fort and that is why they want fishermen to evacuate the jetty.
Fishermen have further alleged that the UT authorities have refused to issue an evacuation order in writing and have been threatening to cancel their fishing licences since Friday last.
Despite several efforts, Diu collector Hemant Kumar chose not to answer TOI’s queries. Even his deputy Apurva Sharma also could not be contacted for comment.
Rajendra Bambhania, the president of Diu Macchimar Boat Association, who gave the application to the Diu police said, “On Friday (last), the officers of district administration, led by deputy collector, ordered police to evacuate our boats. We have been threatened with cancellation of our boat licences. Despite our request, they have not given us a written order that we should not use the jetty.”
According to Bambhania, the fishermen had requested the district administration to give them time till next monsoon to evacuate the jetty and use Ghoghla port. “But to evacuate the jetty now, at such a short notice, can’t be done,” he added.
Manoj Chudasama, the fishermen’s advocate, alleged, “The UT officials also damaged some boats on Friday. They have not issued any notification or order regarding vacating the jetty that we can challenge before the appropriate authority. They are forcing fishermen to evacuate the jetty.”