Fisherfolk to lay siege to Vizhinjam port via sea

Thiruvananthapuram: The fisherfolk will lay siege to Vizhinjam port on sea and land on Monday as part of intensifying their agitation. Over 300 boats will be covering the sea area of the port as part of the strike. These boats will remain in the sea till evening, Samara Samithi members have informed. However, all eyes are on the chief minister as the fishing community is expecting a call from him for talks.
During the discussion they had with fisheries minister V Abdurahiman last week, the minister had assured that the chief minister would convene talks with them at the earliest.
However, general convener of Samara Samithi Eugine H Pereira said no one from the chief minister’s office has contacted them so far.
“Abdurahiman in the meeting held on August 19 had informed us that the CM would meet us on Monday. The minister had assured us that all our demands would be met. If the CM does not meet us, we will continue with our protest,” said Pereira.
On Sunday, hundreds of fisherfolk laid a siege to the Vizhinjam port chanting slogans and raising flags.
“Over 300 families from the fishing community are still living in rehabilitation centres after they lost their houses in sea erosion. Fishermen are struggling to earn their livelihood owing to the rising kerosene priceWe will not back out from our protest till all our demands are met,” added Pereira.