Panaji, May 12 (TOI): Tensions brewed at the ongoing protest at Panaji where traditional fishermen and boat owners had gathered before the office of the state fisheries department in Panaji, on Wednesday.

The fishermen alleged that a coastal police officer assaulted one of the fishermen, Timappa Nayak. "I was asked to move my canoe by the coastal police officer but I refused to budge which is when he punched me in the stomach," said Nayak.

Nearly 300 canoes and fishing boats blocked the River Mandovi channel on Wednesday in protest of the government's failure to impose a ban on the use of LED lights and bull trawling while fishing.
Demanding action against the coastal policeman, chairperson, Mandovi fisheries cooperative society, Menino Afonso, said, "We're not here to fight, our main concern is our livelihood. Why are the lawmakers attacking us instead of protecting us?"

Traditional fishermen then demanded that the coastal police officer be either suspended or offer a public apology. Pacifying the mob, Police Inspector Serafine Dias assured that he would take up the matter with his senior police officials as the matter would be resolved at the earliest.