On the 39th anniversary of the 1985 shoot-out by the police on the Marina, fishermen have reiterated their demand to conduct a census of fishing communities and the facilities in their villages.
Recalling that seven persons had died in the incident, fishermen community leader Kabbadi Maran said: “This is a day of remembrance of those who died on December 4, 1985. They belonged to Ayodhya Kuppam and Nochikuppam. The government had forcefully removed catamarans and fishing nets, as part of a proposed beautification drive. The protests, including hunger fast and processions, began on November 4 that year. On November 6, Annammal, who sat on a hunger fast, died. Fishermen had taken out a march to the Madras High Court after that. On December 4, the police opened fire on the fishermen who were protesting in a peaceful manner…”
On Wednesday, fishermen paid homage to the deceased at a small memorial that has been built for them. A fishermen community leader K. Bharathi said that similar to 1985, there was a need to ensure the traditional rights of fishermen now. “The future of the community is under threat. Lands that have always been a part of fishing hamlets are being targeted and taken over in the name of development, tourism, heritage and beautification. Spaces to park boats, dry fish, mend nets and auction the catch are vanishing…,” he added.
“The census will help in understanding the needs of the ever-growing communities that depend on fishing in a better way. It will safeguard the rights of fishermen…,” M.D. Dayalan, a community leader, said.
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