Thiruvananthapuram: Fishermen’s strike will continue in Vizhinjam. Ministerial discussions with representatives of the Latin Archdiocese have concluded. Father Eugene Pereira, representative of the Latin Archdiocese, said that although the discussion was effective, the strike will continue until all the demands put forward by the fishermen are accepted. He was responding to the media after the discussion.
Eugene Perera said that the Fisheries Minister listened to the problems of the fishermen with an open mind and agreed to discuss other unresolved issues with the Chief Minister within a week. He stated that seven demands were raised, including that the construction of Vizhinjam port should be temporarily stopped and the price of kerosene should be reduced, and five of them were agreed upon.
Financial assistance to fishermen has been assured in the talks during weather change days when they are warned not to go to sea. Eugene Perera said that the Minister has assured that all those staying in the camps will be shifted to rented houses on the occasion of Onam and that the resettlement process for permanent residence will be completed in time.
Minister V Abdur Rahman and Antony Raju held a discussion with representatives of Thiruvananthapuram Latin Archdiocese. Nine members of the strike committee participated in the discussion.