Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Jan 5: District in-charge minister Dr Jayamala visited the houses of missing fishermen along with Western range inspector general of police (IGP), Arun Chakravarthy and others here on Saturday January 5.
Later Jayamala, addressing a press conference at the Inspection Bungalow here on Saturday, said that she has noted the remarks made by certain quarters about her failure to issue any reaction to the incident concerning seven fishermen and a boat going missing.
"Since the incident happened, the police registered first information report on December 22, and the concerned department has been working in harmony with police and governments of Goa and Maharashtra. We have been working sincerely but the only thing was that our efforts were not visible to people. Helicopters, navy etc have been pressed into service now and everyone of us is concerned to ensure that the fishermen safety return to their homes," she said.
The minster pointed out that there has been no clue like floating of diesel leaked from the boat, food item etc. Therefore,there is increased suspicion about they having been hijacked or terrorists having taken them into custody. Whatever be the case, she said that the government is committed to do everything within its command to secure the release of the missing fishermen.
"Families of fishermen are like our own. They have become panicky. The government pledges solidarity with them. They are undergoing extreme pain and many have decided to take the route of agitation tomorrow. I sincerely believe that protest is not necessary. We will try to assuage the feelings of these people. The state home minster is visiting the city today. We will talk to him. Fisheries minster, Venkat Rao Nadagouda, is coming here on January 8 to assess the situation," Jayamala stated. She said she will try to appease the families into not undertaking protest as planned.
On the issue of raids on cine artistes and film personalities, she said she is not aware of the details. But she exuded confidence that nothng will happen to these artistes and at the most only some gifts given by fans could have been found. She said she is sure that these people would have paid their taxes promptly.
About Sabarimala issue, she said she is reluctant to speak on the oft-repeated subject. "God is not for conducting business. God is ultimate. I too have visited Sabarimala in the past out of faith. We do not go there for becoming happy but to get a sense of inner contentment out of our devotion towards the Lord," she said, without elaborating further.