Hopes for Ockhi victims in Kanniyakumari rise after PM visit

Cyclone ‘Ockhi’ had ravaged Kanniyakumari district leaving the people of the district in deep distress. Fishermen and farmers were worst affected as many of the fishermen had died and many are still fishing. For farmers, several lakh rubber and banana plantations were uprooted. 

Immediately, after the cyclone politicians from various parties rushed to the coastal villages. Recently, on December 14, Congress President, Rahul Gandhi, visited Chinnathurai coastal village and interacted with the kin of farmers. After Rahul Gandhi’s visit the fishermen criticised Narendra Modi for not visiting Kanniyakumari.

The Prime Minister met the kin of fishermen and farmers in a in the government visitor’s bungalow. He met the fishermen and their representatives initially and then the affected farmers. 

According to the people present inside the meeting hall as soon as Modi entered the meeting hall, instead of going to the stage he directly went to the kin of fishermen and fishermen leaders and began interacting with them. 

One of the women inside the hall, Rebisha from Chinnathurai, told PM that she had lost all the male members in the cyclone and their family is torn apart in the cyclone. Modi listened patiently to her and assured her of all help from the government.

Justin Antony, Founding President, International Fishermen Federation, said that though he had heard various criticisms about Modi in the past, “by his gesture I understood that he has concerns for fishermen.” He had also submitted his demands to the PM , who listened to him patiently. “I have hopes that the PM will do something for fishermen,” said Justin Antony. 

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Governor Barwarilal Purohit, Deputy CM, O Panneerselvam Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, were also present during the PM’s interactive programme.