Medha Patkar flags off boat rally from city to Trivandrum

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 21, 2014: The fishermen  and fisheries workers who have fought many a battle  over the decades for various causes  with total unity  should continue to remain united to safeguard their interests, said renowned social activist Medha Patkar.

 

 

She was speaking after flagging off a ten-day boat rally from Mangaluru to Thiruvananthapuram at the old port (Bunder) here on November 21, Friday. The rally aimed at pressurising the government to fulfil various demands of fishermen has been organised by the National Fishworkers’ Forum, Kerala Swathanthra Masya Thozhilali Federation  and Karnataka Coastal Fishermen’s Action Committee.

Medha Patkar   further said that the various governments have failed to fulfil the demands of the fishermen.  She was also critical of the   formation of a new committee headed by Dr B Meenakumari by sidelining the Murari Commission constituted by the UPA government after repeated pressure from fishermen.

 On the reports regarding  creation of buffer zones  from 200 meters to  500 meters, she said  it would  only allow foreign fishing vessels in Indian waters.

State Minister for youth, sports and fisheries, Abhayachandra Jain assured all out efforts to protect the interests of the fishermen.

Vasudeva Boloor, Vice President of National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) in his address urged the government to provide subsidised kerosene for country boats.

T Peter, National Secretary of NFF  who also spoke strongly criticised the recommendations of the Dr Meenakumari Report.

Several fishermen leaders were present on the occasion.