The coastal areas of the capital simmered under protests on Monday as large sections of the fishing community took to the streets alleging shortcomings in the ongoing cyclone rescue efforts that extended to the fifth day.
Traffic along the National Highway 66 bypass was disrupted for over three hours as fisherfolk from Pozhiyoor held demonstrations near Uchakkada. Claiming certain lapses that have allegedly hindered the search operation, the agitators laid siege to the Poovar-Kaliyikkavila stretch at Oorambu. A large number of people, including women, children and leaders of the local parish, took part in the blockade. Another demonstration was held a short distance away by a group of women who blocked the passage using utensils.
Around 70 fishermen from Pozhiyoor went missing initially after the cyclonic storm struck and 10 of them were yet to be found, the agitators claimed. They feared the ‘delay’ in rescuing the missing people endangered their lives. They also raised other demands including measures to alleviate their woes by compensating for the losses of their fishing boats, equipment and other properties.
The agitation was called off after officials of the Revenue department and the police informed the demonstrators of the compensations that were announced by the government. They were also assured that their concerns would be conveyed to the higher officials.
Separately, fishermen under the aegis of the Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation took out a march to the headquarters of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) at Vellayambalam in protest against its alleged failure in issuing warning about the cyclone Ockhi in advance.
Arguments with police
The agitators were blocked by a large police posse led by Assistant Commissioner (Cantonment) D.S. Suneesh Babu as they neared the office. The demonstration threatened to turn unruly with the participants engaging in an argument with the officers. A few agitators also managed to climb on the compound wall of the premises.
National Fishworkers Forum general secretary T. Peter, who inaugurated the demonstration, demanded stringent action including booking of a police case under provisions pertaining to culpable homicide against those officials responsible for the alleged lapse in responding to the situation.
He held the ‘apathy’ of the officials to be responsible for the deaths of numerous fishermen. The agitation came to an end after SDMA special officer D. Balamurali assured to probe lapses, if any, in dealing with the disaster. Mr. Peter said the agitation had been called off temporarily on the basis of the assurance.
Hospitalised
A total of 41 rescued fishermen were currently being treated at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital. Nine persons were discharged on Monday. One person, identified as Reymond, 23, of Vettucaud, was admitted at the hospital.
The condition of Pulluvila native Ratheesh, who is being treated at the critical care unit, continued to be critical. Michael of Poonthura has been shifted to the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from the Neurosurgery ICU. Another fisherman, Wilfred of Pulluvila, was being treated at the Orthopedic ICU.
Hospital authorities also informed that three more persons who were brought dead a day ago were identified.
The deceased were identified as Lazar and Arogyadas, both of whom hailed from Poonthura, and Eepachan of Valiyathura. A total of 16 deceased fishermen have been brought to the hospital. Seven were yet to the identified.
Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran and Health Minister K.K. Shylaja visited those who were being treated in various hospitals.
