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Udupi: Members of the fishing community held a massive protest rally on Tuesday, August 4 from Malpe to Udupi Taluk Office against the state government’s decision to transfer diesel subsidy to the bank accounts of fishermen.More than 500 fishermen raised slogans against the state government and demanded to revert the order.
Speaking to mediapersons, Yaspal Suvarna, president of DK and Udupi district Fish Sellers’ Federation, said that when the Karnataka government had implemented the scheme on April 1 this year, the federation had opposed it. “Later, following pressure from various fishermen associations, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had promised that the scheme will be implemented only after holding discussions with the fishermen. But the government has taken a unilateral decision to transfer the subsidy amount to the bank accounts of the fishermen. Hence, we were observing the strike from the past 4 days.” He demanded the government to continue the previous system of providing subsidy to the fishermen while purchasing diesel.Later, the federation leaders moved to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office and submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister of Karnataka though DC Dr R Vishal.Shop Owners of Malpe area extended their support by closing their business establishments. Nearly 5,000 fishing boats were anchored in Malpe, Hangarcutte and Hejamadi Port.
Fishing community leaders Hiriyanna Kidiyoor, Ramesh Kotian, Santhosh Salian, Vittal Karkera, Kishore Padukere, Gurudas Bangera, Baby Salian, Somappa Kanchan, Umesh Suvarna and others were present.
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Even though I have nothing against the fishermen community, I have little empathy for their cause. Whether they are forced to do it or not, all the good catch gets exported to big cities, restaurants and foreign countries, and the ordinary people in the coastal region are forced to be content with ನಂಗ್, ಕುರ್ಚಿ, ಅಡೆ ಮೀನ್,ಕಲ್ಲರ್, ಬೊಂಜಿಲ್, red-eyed ಬೂತೈ etc. No slice-able fish for the common folks. If ever there is any pomfret, ಕಾಣೆ or some “upper-class” fish on the day, one Pereira aunty with her red-lips and half blouse will swoop in out of nowhere and throw a couple of Gandhi notes and price out the rest of the customers. So, in all fairness, please ask those Pereira aunties to come and fight for your cause. I am sure they are on their toes eager to help you out.