Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jan 9: “Search operation does not comes under my parameter. Police department, coastal security police and other department will look into it. On my personal interest, as fisheries minister, I came to meet the families of the missing fishermen here,” said state Fisheries minister Venkatrao Nadagouda at Badanidiyur, Malpe here on Wednesday, January 9.

He further said, “The state government is putting its best efforts to search the missing fishermen. Both the central and state governments are searching. The Naval forces are searching in Goa and Maharashtra.”

The minister, consoling Ramesh, a fisherman, said, “The Coast Guard is using hovercrafts, dornier aircrafts and helicopters. We have even approached ISRO for helping us to conduct satellite survey.

“Beyond this effort, ‘if anyone suggests better ways, we are ready to consider it. Chief minister Kumaraswamy has announced Rs 1 lac for fishermen’s families. The government has continued its effort right from the time the complaint was lodged.”

Ramesh said, “Let us pressurise the Central government to intensify the search operation. There are chances of Coastal boats being attacked. I have strong doubt that they are kept in a mosque. Let the government use advanced technology. If the government orders to use military force, for sure the missing fishermen will be located.”

The minister said, “I accept all your suggestions. We have all the documents of works done by us. We have directed to search not only in sea but also land. Let us have faith in God. He will show us the right path.”

The minister also visited Damodhar’s family. His younger brother Pramod requested, “We do not need mercy. We need the missing people alive. They are the bread earners of their families.”

The locals and fishermen took the minister to task that he did not meet the aggrieved family before.

A review meeting was conducted at the DC office Rajathadri Manipal after the visit.