Visakha Container Terminal: Fishermen create blockade with 30 boats; demand jobs, compensation

Visakhapatnam: Tension prevailed in Visakhapatnam when agitating fishermen staged a dharna at the entrance of the Visakha Container Terminal Private Limited demanding jobs, house sites, and compensation at the fishing harbor on Saturday.

Hundreds of fishermen's families gave away their lands for the development of the terminal 20 years ago. In turn, the management had promised jobs to eligible persons, compensation of Rs. 1 lakh, and a house site measuring 60 square yards.

"The management gave Rs. 25,000 only in 2002 and went back on all other assurances like jobs and house sites," said a representative for the fishermen.

The protesting fishermen also put up a barricade with 30 boats in the sea to prevent ships from entering the terminal, reports said. The terminal incurred huge losses as a result of the blockade. Hundreds of police personnel were deployed at the terminal to prevent any untoward incidents.

The management sent a word through its representative saying the remaining compensation and house site pattas will be given but not jobs.

While discussions were going on, the revenue divisional officer, Hussain Saheb, reached the spot and told the protestors to call off the agitation and said he would take their demands to the notice of the collector and joint collector for a solution. The fishermen turned down the offer and continued to agitate even after lunch hours.

They called off the agitation after the RDO told them that a meeting would be held between the VCT management and fisherfolk representatives in the presence of the collector and joint collector on 27 September.

The first agitation was held in March this year and the fishermen had given them time till 20 September to redress their grievances.