Protesting the Union government’s move to establish a seaport between the coastal hamlets of Kovalam and Manakkudi near Kanniyakumari, thousands of fisherfolk and farmers observed a fast at Kovalam on Friday.
After the fishermen’s intense and sustained protests against the Enayam International Container Transhipment Terminal compelled the State and Central governments to shift the proposed harbour to the new spot between Kovalam and Manakkudi, fishermen and farmers of this region are up in arms against the scheme.
When a team visited the proposed site recently, they were forced to move out.
Collector Sajjansingh R. Chavan and his subordinates who went to Keezha Manakkudi for a survey were also detained for a while. Supporters of this project claim that the proposed harbour would generate employment opportunities on a large scale and indirect employment to thousands of people. But those who are against the project say fishing and farming would be affected.
Taking the anti-port protest to the next level, members of Movement Against Kanniyakumari International Container Transhipment Terminal organised the fast in which priests of coastal parishes and farmers from Kanniyakumari, Chinna Muttom, Kovalam, Keezha Manakkudi, Ilanthaiyadivilai, Muhilankudiyiruppu, Thenthamaraikulam, Nariyanvilai and adjoining hamlets participated.
They have planned a series of such protests at various places.
