The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Assault leaves Thazhanguda fisherfolk in shock

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Friday, Nov 27, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Assault leaves Thazhanguda fisherfolk in shock

Special Correspondent

They hoist black flags and paste wall posters in the village

— Photo: C.Venkatachalapathy

Cuddalore Collector P. Seetharaman talking to Thazhanguda fishermen on the alleged attack on them by Coast Guard personnel, in Cuddalore on Thursday.

CUDDALORE: The fishing community in Thazhanguda village is in a state of shock over the incident in which the Coast Guard personnel allegedly assaulted 30 fishermen a couple days ago.

They have hoisted black flags and pasted wall posters in the village to voice their protest against “unprovoked and brutal attack.” For the second consecutive day on Thursday they did not venture into the sea for the fear of further humiliation.

To placate their feelings, District Collector P. Seetharaman, Superintendent of Police Ashwin M. Kotnis and G. Aiyappan, MLA, met them in the village on Thursday and listened to their version.

After giving a patient hearing, the Collector said that the Coast Guard personnel were concerned about providing security to the long coastline. He admitted that they should have adequately warned the fishermen before acting in the way they did.

He directed Assistant Director (Fisheries Department) Ilamparithi (who accompanied him) to arrange for spot distribution of ID cards.

The Collector said that in case of any problem the fishermen could contact the Coastal Security Group on toll-free number 1093. Mr Kotnis said any complaints could be lodged with Marine Police Stations. As for the incident he had written a letter to the authorities, Mr. Kotnis said.

In response to the story ‘Fishermen beaten up by Indian Navy,’ published in The Hindu on November 26, N. Andavan, PRO (Defence) says: “Naval authorities denied any incident involving naval ship/personnel according to Chief Staff Officer to Naval Officer-in-charge (Tamil Nadu and Puducherry) of the Indian Navy.

“It may be noted that there is no mention of date, time or location of the alleged incident. Moreover, the fishermen have also failed to provide any identification markings such as the pendant number or name of the ship.

“ The authorities also confirmed that “as standard practice, the personnel involved in checking trawlers and boats carry authorised weapons and not cricket stumps”. In the prevalent security scenario Indian Navy ships patrolling have been instructed to exercise extra vigilance in checking trawlers and boats so as to prevent an incident like 26/11 in Mumbai.”

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