In a novel protest, fishing boats formed into a circle in the sea with the crew holding torches (kagadas) to protest against steep increase in diesel price.
The mid-sea protest organised by the urban unit of Telugu Desam Party after sunset evoked a good response. Raising slogans, the protesters demanded rollback of the enhanced amount and asked the State government to increase subsidy being given to the fishermen from Rs. 6 to Rs.16 litre. Later, the boats went in a rally from the RK beach to the Fishing Harbour.
TDP urban district president Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, former Minister Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy, former corporators Nalluri Bhaskara Rao and Gudivada Amarnath, senior leaders Bharanikana Rama Rao, G. Nagamani and others participated.
Mr. Ganesh Kumar, who is from fishermen community, said due to withdrawal of subsidy being extended to bulk purchasers, the oil companies increased the price exorbitantly.
“Fishing is totally unviable now. Mostly fishermen are from poorer sections and they don’t know anything except fishing. Now it is the responsibility of the government to come to their rescue,” he said.
