Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, December 31: Malpe Fishermen’s Association has threatened to launch a massive protest if the State government fails to trace the fishermen of boat ‘Suvarna Thribuja’, who went missing at sea on December 15.
Giving the state government a three day ultimatum, Satish Kundar, member of the association in a press meet at Udupi Press Club on Monday, December 31, expressed concerns that the fishermen are held hostage by terrorists.
Owner of trawler boat ‘Suvarna Thribuja’ Chandrashekar and six fishermen identified as Damodar, Lakshman, Satish, Ravi, Harish and Ramesh departed from the Malpe Harbour at around 11 pm on December 13. “They had contact with persons of another fishing boat till December 15. Then suddenly, the contact stopped. We have sent wireless messages to all other boats at sea as well as conducted search operations at our level best. However, we did not obtain a single clue and doubt there could be involvement of terrorists in their disappearance,” Kundar said.
Regretting that there is no development in the case in the past 17 days, Kundar said that the families of the fishermen are living with panic. “Even though we are in regular touch with concerned officials and political representatives, nothing much has happened. Hence, we have decided that if the fishermen are not found in the next three days then we will hold a massive protest on January 3 demanding justice,” he warned.
Kundar said that coastal fishermen are under stress as this is a first of its kind incident in the region. He expressed disappointment on the lack of apathy and security when it comes to a fishermen’s life.
“Chief Minister of Karnataka should hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding this incident. Usually, 15 to 20 boats set out together for fishing. On that missing date, around 400-500 boats have conducted search operations. As it is a huge boat, the fishermen carried food items which are enough for 15 days. Usually every fishing expedition lasts for a maximum 15 days. There is no weather fluctuation. Simultaneously and surprisingly all mobiles were off on December 13,” he said.
“We have met defence minister Nirmala Sitaraman through minister Sadananda Gowda. CIG group conducted search operations in three groups. The last movement of boat was traced near Sindhudurg district. CM HD Kumaraswamy should take complete responsibility of the rescue operation. But nothing is happening. The fishing association will hold a meeting on January 2. If the government fails to take an initiative searching for the fishermen, the association members including other associations will hold protest on January 3. Union government should also intervene in this case for speedy solution,” he stressed.
Gopal R K, general secretary, Raviraj, president of Pandelu Union, Gundu B Amin, Nagaraj Suvarna, Ramachandra and others were present.