Container terminal: Massive stir by fishermen in Kanniyakumari

Ever since the central government has proposed the construction of the ICTT at Colachel in Kanniyakumari district, the fishermen had been strongly opposing the project. They said that the container terminal would destroy their livelihood. The project was relocated to the coastal area between Kovalam and Kanniyakumari following the locals’ resistance.

Despite the relocation, the fishermen continued with their protests and they also intensified their agitation.

The locals also announced that they would stage a protest in front of the Collector’s office in Nagercoil against the construction of the ICTT. However, official denied permission for the proposed stir.

Word spread through social media and among fishermen communities. A large number of people were called to participate in the protest. More than 2,000 policemen were deployed in various parts of the districts as officials anticipated a large turnout.

A police team, led by IG (South Zone) Shailesh Kumar Yadav, blocked all the important roads in Nagercoil to prevent the protesters from reaching the venue. Despite these efforts, the fishermen accompanied by DMK and Congress cadre assembled near the Collectorate in Nagercoil and staged the protest on Saturday.

When the attempts were made to arrest the protesters, DMK MLA, Austin, who confronted the cops, was reportedly manhandled by the policemen. He was later taken into custody. Along with him four other DMK and Congress MLAs were also taken into custody.

When women participants from the fishing community were on their way to Nagercoil, their trip was cut short at Manakudi and they staged a road roko on a bridge there.