Udupi Fishermen Hold massive protest against Transfer of Diesel Subsidy to Bank Accounts.

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi: August 4, 2015: The fishermen in Udupi held a massive protest rally from Malpe to Udupi Taluk office to Deputy Commissioner’s office in Manipal on Tuesday.

The fishermen opposed the state government’s new system of direct transfer of sales tax refund to the bank accounts of mechanized boat owners. Though the new fishing season began after a hiatus of two months on August 1, the fishermen have decided not to venture untill their demands are not met. Around 500 fishermen raised slogans against the state government and demanded to revere the order.

Speaking to the media personals, Yashpal Suvarna, president of DK and Udupi district Fish Sellers’ Federation said that the federation had opposed the scheme when the state government implemented it on April 1st this year. The Chief Minister had assured that the scheme will be implemented after discussing with the fishermen.

"The government has taken a U-Turn in its promise, hence we are observing strike." He demanded state government to continue the old system of providing subsidy to the fishermen while purchasing diesel.

The protesters then submitted a memorandum to chief minister of Karnataka though DC Dr R Vishal.

The shops in Malpe town were closed in bid to support the protest.

Fishing community leaders Hiriyanna Kidiyoor, Ramesh Kotiyan, Santhosh Salian, Vittal Karkera, Kishore Padukere, Gurudas Bangera, Baby salian, Somapa Kanchan, Umesh Suvarna and others were present.