Fishermen seeks immediate distribution of cyclone relief

Puducherry, Mar 14: Fishermen in the union territory would stage an agitation in front of the assembly here on Mar 28 synchronising with the budget session, to press for their charter of demands.

R Mangayarselvan, organizer of 'Meenavar Viduthalai Vengaigal' (an organisation of fishermen), told reporters here that the government was adopting an 'anti fishermen approach' proof of which was delay in distribution of relief to the fishermen hit by the cyclone on Dec 30 last year.

Though Chief Minister N Rangasamy had announced relief would be given as per classification of fishing vessels affected by the cyclone, nothing had been done.

More than 3600 catamarans were lost in the storm, but the government had assessed that only 300 were lost in the natural calamity. Fishermen had not been able to venture into the sea since last 74 days after the cyclone hit Puducherry as they were deprived of fishing vessels and other equipment, he said.

PTI