KARACHI, Aug 30: Fishermen have demanded fishing rights to seafood stock off Badin coast, which is presently controlled by the Thar Rangers, who are allegedly depriving local people of their legitimate rights.

The views were expressed by Badin district fishermen at a press conference here, organized by the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), who urged the government to take necessary action against the Thar Rangers, who were enjoying exclusive fishing rights in the coastal areas of Badin district.

PFF Chairman Mohammad Ali Shah said that despite receiving allocations from the federal budget the para military troops had been granted fishing lease of these areas.

He said that in 1982, when the Thar Rangers had asked the Sindh government for exclusive fishing rights over a few outlets of the right bank outfall drain (RBOD), “Some fishermen did raise their voice against this unfair and arbitrary decision,” and added that local people could not imagine the extent of the hardships that lay ahead.

He alleged that the Rangers had also started encroaching upon other coastal areas. Mettan Mallah, a fisherman, said it was a matter of concern that even the soldiers had started abusing fishing resources.

Besides, Rangers had now started sub-letting contracts to private parties, who were minting million of rupees through exploitation of local fishermen, he added.

Mettan said if the market rate for 12kg was about Rs1,500 the fishermen were forced to sell the quantity to the contractors for between Rs50 to Rs100. The fishermen were not even permitted to take a small quantity of catch for their domestic consumption, he added.

He said: “In 1996, the then chief minister of Sindh, the area MPAs and MNAs and the Rangers authorities agreed that Jati would be free from Rangers’ occupation. However, in April, 2002, the Rangers even attacked the fishermen of Jati area, harassed them, beat them and took away their catch.”

While expressing gratitude for the Rangers, Coast Guard and other forces for their defence services, the PFF demanded of the government that their interference in domestic affairs and local economy must be avoided.

“Auction of fishing rights is in interest of the country and the province as more revenues will be generated, besides the monopoly status of few contractors, who are on good terms with Rangers, will also end,” Mr Shah observed and added: “This move will also benefit thousands of fishermen and their families residing in coastal areas of Badin.” —PPI