Fisherfolk try to lay siege to oil rig

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posted on 13 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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YANAM: It was a spectacle though the air was surcharged with tension. About 10,000 fishermen from 63 villages went in 500 boats to..

YANAM: It was a spectacle though the air was surcharged with tension. About 10,000 fishermen from 63 villages went in 500 boats to an offshore rig being operated by Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation, on the sea 40 nautical miles off Bhairavapalem village in I.Polavaram mandal, on Monday and laid siege to the rig.
They were protesting against GSPC's drilling operations, alleging that the drilling, being carried out for the past two years, was causing serious problems to people living in the vicinity on the shore. Some fishermen even lost their lives because of the drilling, they alleged and demanded compensation from the GSPC.

The fishermen were led by Yanam MLA and Matsyakara Aikya Porata Samiti (MAPS) convener Malladi Krishna Rao and Mummidivaram MLA Ponnada Satish Kumar.

Heated arguments took place between the DSP and the two MLAs. Meanwhile, the state government and the GSPC management invited them to talks to be held in Hyderabad. But the MLAs insisted that the talks be held at Kakinada and went back their way.

"The issue will be bought to the notice of prime minister Manmohan Singh and the fisheries minister. The agitation will be intensified, if warranted," he warned. Earlier, GSPC management and MAPS leaders held negotiations but in vain.

People, in general, are concerned over oildrilling operations by GSPC, ONGC, Reliance Industries and other companies.