Federation alleges attempts to divert fishermen’s agitation

After cyclone ‘Ockhi’ hit Kanniyakumari, many fishermen went missing. Demanding the state and central governments to speed up the rescue operation and to provide compensation of Rs 25 lakh to each of the family of the deceased, several fishermen and the kin of the missing men have been protesting in the coastal villages.

Justin Antony said that fishermen are involved in non-violent and democratic protests. Also, the protests are spontaneous as they all are seek their missing fellow mates and kin.

However, in the last couple of days, in the name of expressing solidarity with the fishermen, uninvited people visit the village and there are attempts to divert the protests. Because of the visit of activists, sleuths from intelligence department are camping at their village and fishermen are worried about their presence.

Without naming anti-nuke activist, SP Udayakumar, Justin Antony said, “Kanniyakumari fishermen do not need another Kudankulam protest”. He also said that several activists arrested under National Security Act and organisations which have attracted the wrath of government have begun to camp in the villages. Therefore, there is a strong doubt in the minds of the local fishermen that there are attempts to divert the protests.