Fish workers under the banner of the Matsya Thozhilali Federation staged a hunger strike at sea off Ponnani coast on Monday, protesting against the Central government for permitting sea mining. The protesters demanded that the government withdraw from the tender process.
Workers of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) joined the protest at sea. Inaugurating the strike, Matya Thozhilali Federation national treasurer A.K. Jabbar warned that sea mining would destroy the marine ecosystem.
He said that fishery played a vital role not only in India’s economy but in employment sector as well as food safety. “If private companies are permitted to conduct mining in the sea as part of the Central government’s blue economy policy, it will not only destroy the marine ecosystem, but also affect the livelihood of lakhs of fisherfolks,” he said.
Mr. Jabbar accused the Central government of helping the corporate sector and ignoring the woes of the fisherfolks. He warned of strengthening the agitation if the government did not heed to their demands.
A human chain was also held as part of the protest at Ponnani. Husain Ispadath presided over the function. Fishermen union leaders Subair Parappanangadi, Moidutty, M. Majid, P.P. Mujeeb Rahman, and Siddeek Puthiyiruthi spoke.
Published - February 25, 2025 08:42 pm IST
