Fishers launch indefinite stir against toll collection at Chellanam mini harbour
Boat, lorry operators expected to join the protest against the imposition of toll on users at the fish landing centre; government must provide support to fishermen in the issue, says activist
Fishermen who launched an indefinite relay hunger strike in protest against the imposition of toll on those using the mini fishing harbour at Chellanam said the decision added to the burden of fishers, who were already reeling under extreme conditions like severe fish shortage and increasing cost of fishing operations.
The stir has been launched under the aegis of independent fishermen’s union Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation. C.R. Neelakantan, social activist, inaugurated the protest near the fish landing centre on Monday. Boat owners and workers, lorry owners and workers, and smalltime fish vendors are expected to join the protest in the coming days. Mr. Neelakantan said that the government must provide support to fishermen, who worked to provide a cheap source of food to people. The protest by fishermen had the support of the larger community of people, he added.
Shiji Thayil, convener of the Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation, and activists Francis Kalathungal and Wilson Pollayil participated. Mr. Kalathungal said that the mini fishing harbour had been set up to provide a safe haven for small fishing boats in the area. The mini harbour is being increasingly used by boats from neighbouring areas too.
He said that the toll amount quoted by the contractor this year had gone up three times the previous year’s level, indicating that there was substantial return. However, the government must intervene on behalf of the fishermen, who have to pay toll for fishing boats and carrier boats. Lorries and vehicles entering the mini harbour area as well as those using bicycles to buy fish and engage in retail sales too had to pay the toll, he added.