Dear Friends,


Kindly find attached (pdf) the National Fishworkers’ Forum’s (NFF) open letter to the Prime Minister on the Kudamkulam situation. This is also a response to Dr. Manmohan Singh‘s statement on Kudamkulam – what fish workers’ consider to be an attack on the dignity of Indian fisherpeople.

Shri. Matanhy Saldanha co-drafted & endorsed this open letter as on 15th March 2012 and since then the statement has been taking rounds among state unions of fishers for endorsements. This is being sent to the Prime Minister’s office & released to the National Media on the 23rd March 2012. 

People of Goa are joined by the entire India’s fisherpeople and other struggle groups in mourning the great leader’s death, which occurred on the 21st March 2012, due to a massive heart attack. Our Chairperson, Matanhy Saldanha was sworn in as Goa’s Cabinet Minister on the 9th march 2012, in charge of Tourism, Environment & Forests. 
Matanhy Saldanha died after a massive attack at around 3.30 am on Wednesday, 21st March 2012
The attached is his last letter/statement, in his official capacty as Chairperson, NFF. 

On Behalf of NFF Executive Committee