KARACHI, June 18: Fishermen have urged the government to effectively enforce the ban on use of fine nets in the creeks of Sindh and save the coastal resources from further destruction.

A ban on the use of these nets had been imposed by the provincial government but the local fishermen have always accused the illegal immigrants of violating it with the support of influential persons, who have given refuge to them in coastal areas.

The influential people easily exploit the illegal immigrants by taking away more than 50 per cent of their catch, or purchasing their catch on less than half the market price.

The local fishing communities allege that the dangerous and destructive fishing nets like Boolo and Gujjo were first introduced by the Bengali illegal immigrants on the Sindh coast.

According to them, harmful nets, which uproot and destroy the fish habitats, including young fish, are being widely used in the creeks by these fishermen with the support of influential persons.

A survey shows that hundreds of illegal immigrant workers who have taken refuge in the coastal belt of Sindh are mostly engaged in the fisheries sector.

Interviews of various sources of the fisheries sector hinted that they were recruited as labourers on launches on very cheap remuneration by the sea lords, who had control over the fishing business in their localities.

They have also built small huts for the non-local fishermen, who are forced to pay a monthly rent for living in such huts under the armed vigilance of the guards.

The police and other agencies can not dare to enter these areas. Most of the non-local fishermen live in subhuman conditions and are deprived of all basic facilities.

They are neither recognised as permanent residents nor issued any work permits. Police always give a midnight knock at their door. They live under constant fear.

Local fishermen say that the sea lords, in their bid to exploit fishery resources, have provided refuge to the illegal immigrants, especially fishermen from Bangladesh and Burma.

According to official sources, there are about one million illegal immigrants in Karachi.

The indigenous fishermen claim that thousands of illegal immigrants, especially Bengalis and Burmese, are engaged in illegal fishing in the coastal waters of Sindh.

They also claim that these immigrants are provided protection by the local influentials.