Media Release
Udupi, Nov 24: The Udupi District Congress Fishermen’s Committee has submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner of Udupi district and the superintendent of police, urging immediate withdrawal of a recent government order concerning government-owned fishing land in the Malpe region. The committee stated that the order has created fear, confusion and intense dissatisfaction among the local traditional fishermen.
According to the memorandum, the government has allotted the land — used by local fishermen for decades — to the Dakshina Kannada Fishermen’s Federation headed by Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna. This decision, the committee claimed, has triggered widespread resentment, anxiety and opposition among Malpe’s traditional fishing community.
The issue has also sparked extensive discussions on social media and in the local media, resulting in unnecessary tension and a potentially volatile situation that could disturb peace and public order in the area.
Considering the sensitivity of the issue and its impact on the livelihood of genuine fishermen, the committee has appealed to the district administration to protect the rights and long-standing usage privileges of local fishermen and to immediately cancel the controversial government order.
The committee further requested strict legal action against any individuals involved in instigating violence or engaging in unlawful activities, and urged the authorities to maintain peace, security and law and order in the Malpe region.
Udupi District Congress Fishermen’s Committee president Vishwas V Amin expressed confidence that the administration would ensure the safety and livelihood of the local fishermen and prevent any hardship to the community.
Copies of the memorandum have also been forwarded to MLC Manjunath Bhandary and former MP Jayaprakash Hegde.
KPCC secretary Murali Shetty, Udupi District Congress vice-president Prakhyat Shetty, fishermen leaders Keshav Kotyan, Kapu Block Fishermen Congress Committee presidents Sadananda Polipu and Girish Suvarna, Udupi District Congress Social Media president Roshan Shetty, Udupi District Congress Fishermen’s Committee general secretaries Santosh Padubidri, Upendra Mendon, Vijay Putran, Suresh Hebri, Ganesh Doddanagudde, Sooraj Kalmady, Aboobacker, Nasrul Hoode, Pushparaj, Rakshith Salyan (Malpe), Dinesh, Sudhakar K, Deepak Poojary, Sudhakar, Aditya and several fishermen leaders were present.