Udupi: Malpe Comes to a Halt over Fishermen's Protest

Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SM)

Udupi, Nov 22: In the midst of the district administration's order to implement Section 144 and tight police security in the coastal belt of the district; the members of Malpe Fishermen Association staged a protest on Thursday, November 22.

Section 144 was enforced on November 21 and will continue up to December 5. Though the protest was peaceful, all shops in the area were closed and the usually busy harbour wore a deserted look.

During the protest, Malpe Fishermen's Association and the 22 other supporting organizations claimed that they did not receive any assurance from the district administration over the implementation of the Karnataka Marine Fishing (Regulation) Act 1986 which imposes restrictions on fishing in specified areas, and on the number of vessels in specified areas and seasons, and makes registration of vessels compulsory.

They also raised the issue of the violation of ban on illegal fishing of cuttle fish by Tamil Nadu fishermen.

As government representative, MLA Raghupati Bhat said that the previous deputy commissioner had ordered a ban and a notification was given against unscientific fishing of cuttle fish. "But this year it continued because of not enforcing the Act strictly," he said.

"We need a permanent solution for this issue, hence with the approval of state chief secretary and the CM, a new Act will be drafted in time for the next assembly," he said.

He also assured that the new Act will support the local fishermen and will follow a strong coast guard system.

Till the new regulation comes into force, the DC has ordered a revisable ban on any illegal entry of non-booked boats in the area. Gilnet will not be allowed to fish within the12 nautical miles. The order will be revised every 15 days till a new regulation comes to place.