The National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) and Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF) have protested against the firing by the Coast Guard on a fishing boat, resulting in injuries to two fishermen on board on Monday.
Inaugurating a dharna held in front of the Secretariat here on Tuesday, NFF secretary T. Peter said the incident was an infringement on the livelihood rights of fishermen.
Pointing out that diminishing fish stocks were forcing fishermen to venture out to deep sea, Mr. Peter said the decision of the Central and State governments to slash the quota of kerosene for fishing boats would create a debt trap for fish workers and lead to further deprivation.
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KSMTF president P.P. John, general secretary Jackson Pollayil, and other leaders addressed the dharna.