Fisherfolk to move High Court

Sajeev Salahudeen, vice-chairman of the Muthalapozhi Avakasa Samrakshana Samithi, says that the fisherfolk have decided to seek the High Court’s intervention in the matter. “Thousands of people have been struggling for their livelihood, and the government is yet to provide any kind of relief,” he fumes.

“Families are on the verge of starvation, yet even free rations have not been offered. We are planning a big protest on Wednesday.”

In the wake of the crisis at Muthalapozhi, the state government has earmarked spaces at the harbours in Kollam and Sakthikulangara for the displaced fishermen.

However, this hasn’t gone down well. “Moving to other harbours is not at all an option for the fishermen,” says Sajeev.

Joy C, a fisherman, echoes the same. “We have tried to go fishing in other places but the situation is hostile; they don’t want to welcome outsiders. We went to these places with all necessary documents but they treated us badly,” he says.