Fishermen in tsunami hit areas protest against govt apathy

Puducherry, May 2 : Fishermen in Puducherry staged a hunger strike today protesting against the apathy of the authorities who have failed to provide adequate housing even four years after tsunami waves hit the coastal region.

Fishermen from three villages of Periyakalapet, Chinnakalapet and Pillaichavady are observing a fast.

Addressing the protestors, Pattali Makkal Katchi Parliamentary Party Leader M. Ramadoss strongly criticised the Puducherry Government for its "failure" in constructing the houses. He also urges the Government to start the rehabilitation immediately.

"My only request to the government of Puducherry is that they should find a world class contractor to construct modern houses for the fishermen and all the villages people live together in the form of a township. The government should pay greatest attention and if it requires further money from the government of India, we will be able to get that money also," he added.

Although the foundation stone to construct houses for the tsunami affected fishermen of the villages were laid on August 27, 2007. But, the fishermen feel it is another ploy of the Puducherry Government to postpone the issue.

Tamil Nadu was the worst hit in India during the December 26, 2004 Tsunami, when over 7,000 people on the coast were washed away.

The killer-waves hit India's fishing community hardest, with hundreds of small fishing hamlets dotted with poorly constructed houses and shacks, located right on the beach.

ANI