SANGHAR, May 21: A large number of fishermen, including women, foiled the auction bid of waters here on Saturday. Hundreds of fishermen surrounded the office of the fisheries department where auction was to be held. Many contractors had also reached there to offer their bids.

A large number of fishermen from Bakkaar, Rahucho, Phulel, Siran Wari, Abrao, Bholo, Seri, Sao Naro, Haran Thari, Wadhki, Awadh and Chotiariyoon villages including women staged a sit-in and forced the officials to postpone the auction of eleven fishing spots including the main canals.

The deputy director of the fisheries department, Nasrullah Larik, who is also the chairman of the auction committee, met the protesting fishermen and told them that 75 per cent fish catch will be given to them while only 25 per cent would be retained by the department. There will be no contractor.

The fishermen who were led by fisherfolk leaders Pir Bux Mallah, Ayub Mallah, Rasool Bux Mallah and Muhammad Hassan Mallah, said that they would not fall in the trap of the government.

They urged that their leader Muhammad Ali Shah should be released immediately.

Mr Larik said that small organisations of fishermen would be formed and then written agreements with these organisations would be signed for fishing rights while fishermen said that they would not allow the pocket organisations and were watchful of the situation.

The fishermen alleged that contracts of waters of Chotiariyoon, Bakkaar lake, Wadhki, Pak Siri areas of Ranto canal have already been awarded to one Atta Muhammad Mallah on April 27 for a period of one year and today’s exercise was merely an eyewash.