Thaindian News

Hyderabad, Oct 6 (IANS) Tension prevailed at Gangavaram port near Visakhapatnam Wednesday after fishermen affected by the newly-developed all-weather port staged a protest and clashed with the police alleging the government’s failure to rehabilitate them.

Officials said at least 15 protesters poured kerosene over themselves and threatened self-immolation. When police tried to prevent them, the protesters threw kerosene at the police also.

The police resorted to mild baton charge to disperse the protesters. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area.

The fishermen alleged that the port authorities had not provided them jobs under the rehabilitation package.

“It has been four years since the tripartite agreement was reached but the port management has not provided us employment,” said a protester.

In 2006, the government held talks with the Matsyakarula Ikya Vedika (fishermen’s united front) and the port developer and agreed to provide jobs to 300 eligible villagers of Gangavaram. The government also announced compensation to 2,073 fishermen.

The fishermen have been on the warpath since the development of the port was taken up in 2005. One fisherman was killed and several others injured when police opened fire to disperse protesters at Gangavaram March 27, 2006.

The ultra-modern multipurpose all-weather port, about 15 km from Visakhapatnam port, was inaugurated in July last year. It is claimed to be the deepest port in India with a depth of 21 metres capable of handling super cape-size vessels up to 200,000 DWT (deadweight tonnage).