Local fisher folk protest against KFDC fish outlet

Local fisher folk protest against KFDC fish outlet

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Nov 25: The Dakshina Kannada Mahila Meenugarara Horata Samithi in collaboration with Pattana Mogaveera Mahasabha, Mogaveera Grama Sabha, Mogaveera Mahila Sabha, and the Mangalore Unit of Ahinda organized a protest against Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC) in front of the DC’s office on Nov 25, Wednesday. 







“The public does not really need an air-conditioned retail fish outlet, such as the one located in Chilimbi. The retail fish outlet in Chilimbi, the construction of which cost Rs. 25 lakh, is posting a huge problem to thousands of local fisherwomen who earn their livelihood by selling fish,” said Muneer Katipalla, the president of the district unit of DYFI. He demanded the immediate closure of the fish outlet. 

He also said the organization will not permit the establishment of such outlets in malls such as Big Bazaar and that the organization will stage a protest in front of the retail fish outlet in Chilimbi if it is not shut down immediately. 

Calling the corporation policies “anti-people,” Sudhakar Kotian said that such activities of the corporation is only robbing thousands of fisher folk of their livelihood. He said: “The Corporation, which was set up for the welfare of poor fishermen, is now opening retail fish outlets with a selfish motive.” 

Pundalika Hosabettu, the president of Yuva Shakti, Suratkal Unit; Yashodhara Bangera; Bhaskar Baikampady; Vijay Kumar Shetty; Satish Baikampady; and Ahalya Kanchan Mukka, the president of Mahila Samaj, Mukka, also participated in the protest. 

The protestors will submit a memorandum urging the authorities concerned to close down the retail fish outlet at Chilimbi immediately to District In-charge Minister Krishna J Palemar, MLA Yogish Bhat, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, DC V Ponnuraj, Home Minister Dr. V S Acharya, RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, MLA Lalaji Mendon, SP Dr. A S Rao, and the administrative management of KFDC.