CPM to raise Gangavaram port issue in Parliament

Visakhapatnam, Apr 4 (UNI) The CPI(M) would raise the controversial Rs 2,000 crore Gangavaram private port issue, which has triggered a violent agitation by hundreds of fishermen, seeking a proper relief and rehabilitation package for being displaced.

CPI (M) MP from Bhadrachalam, M Baburao, today said he would raise the Gangavaram port issue in Parliament with the help of party MPs. After visiting Gangavaram today, he expressed his solidarity with the families of fishermen who were hurt in the police action on March 27, which left one fisherman killed and several people, including policemen, injured.

The MP sailed to Peddamaramma Pathalu, where the fishermen are demanding construction of a fishing jetty, and said the place was most suitable for them to continue fishing -- their only livelihood.

However, the state government had earmarked another site at Yarada, north of this fishing village for fishermen to continue their activities, which they were they were not happy with.

The CPI(M) demanded stoppage of ongoing port work and said until then the party would boycott the talks called by the government to solve the issue.

Meanwhile, Commercial Tax Minister and Congress party leader from this district K Ramakrishna skipped visiting Gangavaram village today.

Police sources said the Minister had been advised by them not to visit the village. Official sources said the intelligence wing had also sent a report to the government on the presence of Maoists and their sympathisers in the village.

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