Families from four fishermen villages in Thennampattinam panchayat, Mayiladuthurai district, gathered on the beach for a protest, highlighting the absence of basic amenities in their communities. They expressed dissatisfaction with the inadequate facilities and threatened to boycott the upcoming Lok Sabha election if their demands were not addressed.
The villagers, representing Kizhamuvarkarai, Savadi Kuppam, Melamoovarkarai, and Konnayampattinam, waded into the sea to stage their demonstration. They demanded the construction of a new fish market building, a separate structure for a ration shop, and the establishment of a harbour for their fifty-plus motor boats.
Efforts by M. Panneerselvam, Sirkazhi MLA, to placate the protesters proved unsuccessful. Determined to have their grievances heard, the villagers asserted that they would continue their agitation until the District Collector visited their village and provided assurances of action.
Thiruvengadam, a fisherman from Kizhamuvarkarai, lamented the plight of the communities, stating, “Our villages are home to several thousand fishermen, yet we lack proper infrastructure for selling fish. Our existing fish market is dilapidated. Additionally, we lack a dedicated building for the ration shop, resulting in spoilage of stored rice during rainy seasons. Despite repeated appeals to Collector A.P. Mahabharathi, no concrete steps have been taken. Frustrated by governmental inaction, we are compelled to boycott the Lok Sabha elections.”
The protest underscores the urgent need for authorities to address the longstanding grievances of the fishing communities and provide essential amenities for their livelihoods. Failure to do so risks further disenchantment and disruption within these vital coastal communities.
