BADIN: Leaders and members of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) in Badin staged a protest outside Aiwan-e-Sahafat Badin and later addressed a press conference, alleging that attempts were being made to create divisions within the organisation.
Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum Badin district president Haji Nabi Bakhsh Mallah, Mithan Mallah, Abdul Rahim Chandani, Muhammad Umar Mallah, Muhammad Qasim Bacho, Somar Lohar and others participated in the protest and press conference.
The speakers said that following the death of former PFF chairman Syed Muhammad Ali Shah, fisherfolk representatives had appointed Syed Mehran Ali Shah as chairman. They said Mehran Ali Shah continues to stand with fishing communities on their issues.
The PFF representatives alleged that efforts were currently being made to weaken the organisation and create internal divisions. They accused Fatima Majeed and Mustafa Mirani of attempting to form a separate group within the fisherfolk community. These allegations could not be independently verified.
The speakers said they continued to support Syed Mehran Ali Shah and Yasmin Shah, daughter of former chairman Syed Muhammad Ali Shah. They also paid tribute to the Shah family's contribution to raising issues concerning fishing communities in Sindh.
The protesters demanded an immediate end to what they described as attempts to weaken or obstruct the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum. They further alleged that such efforts could pave the way for the reintroduction of a contract system affecting fishing communities.
They appealed to Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Chief Minister of Sindh and the provincial fisheries minister to ensure that resources obtained in the name of fisherfolk are used for the welfare and development of fishing communities.
The PFF representatives also demanded a transparent and independent audit of resources allocated for fisherfolk and funds of the Fishermen Cooperative Society. They called for appropriate action against anyone found responsible for harming the organisation or the interests of fishing communities.