Union warns AP Govt on port issue

Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, Jun 3 (UNI) The HMS-led Kakinada Port Cargo Boat and Steel Barge Workers Union today threatened to 'fight to the finish,'if necessary, by blocking the channel to both the deep water and the anchorage ports if the government did not rescind its policy of encouraging diversion of traditional cargo from the anchorage port.

Union President Vanamadi Veerababu warned the government against any tacit support to the private management of the deep water port, working against the anchorage port and the interests of those depending on it.

''The government is subjecting the anchorage port to gross negligence.

''It has closed down 11 jetties under the pretext of safety norms and created an artificial shortage of loading platforms leading to delay in handling cargo at the anchorage.

''Now, they are planning to curtail ships movement also with the sinister move of closing down the anchorage to benefit the deep-water port.

'We will not tolerate such actions but fight out till the last collectively. The government should not underestimate the labour force.'' he warned.

He urged the Chief Minister to intervene and safeguard the interests of those working for the anchorage port, as promised by him during last elections.

UNI XR/AP GM SLD ND2110