In 1976, the "ramponkar"s went on a chain hunger strike for 380 days. The "ramponkar"s were supported by the Opposition Indian National Congress and Janata Party leaders such as Ananta Narcinva ("Babu") Naik, Ferdino Rebello, Victoria Fernandes, Evagrio George. Freedom fighter Mohan Ranade also lent his support to the agitation. A citizens' committee was formed and the issue was debated for the first time in the Legislative Assembly. However, no constitutional action could be taken as the Union Government had declared an Emergency. The "ramponkar"s held a 40-day dharna at the chief minister's residence and a demonstration in Panaji. In 1978, the second general body meeting of the "Goemchya Ramponkarancho Ekvott (G. R. E.)" was held and the organisation undertook several local agitations across Goa against the use of mechanised fishing trawlers. It held a protest march meeting in Panaji demanding a 5-kilometre zone that would be free from trawlers and purseiners. A ban on fishing during monsoons was also demanded. By 1978, the fishing sector in Goa had been highly mechanised and most trawler owners had political connections. A "morcha" by "ramponkar"s to the Secretariat in Panaji turned violent resulting in stone pelting. When on 27 January 1978, 85 "ramponkar"s were arrested and the stalemate continued, two M. G. Party MLAs Dilkush Desai and Dayanand Narvekar, backed what they called the "just demands" of the "ramponkar"s and criticised the Central Government as well as the local fisheries Minister.