3 weeks ago
CPI(M) accuses Kerala government of neglecting fishermen amid search operations
Fishing boats can be dangerous when the weather gets bad.
In Kerala, a state in India, some fishing boats got into trouble and three fishermen went missing.
Many people are searching the sea for them using boats, ships and helicopters.
A political group called CPI(M) says the state government did not prepare well enough for bad weather.
The group says the government was too slow to start rescue operations.
It also says trained fishermen rescuers were let go and should be brought back.
The group wants fishermen to be given satellite phones so they can call for help in emergencies.
The state government says it did help, such as giving money to families faster and using helicopters for searches.
The CPI(M) does not agree with those claims.
Everyone hopes the three missing fishermen will be found safe.
CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan accused the Kerala government of "gross neglect and apathy" towards the fishermen community after a series of fishing accidents along the state's coast.
Govindan said nearly 200 youths from fishing families trained in rescue operations under the previous LDF government were "removed" from the system by the UDF government after it assumed office.
He urged the government led by Chief Minister V D Satheesan to reinstate the trained fishermen and to provide satellite phones and recharge facilities for emergency communication.
Search operations continued into their 12th day on Tuesday for three fishermen — Gautam Krishna, John and Shijin — who went missing in separate boat mishaps on July 31.
The Indian Navy, Coastal Police and Marine Enforcement Wing are involved in searches off Neendakara (Kollam), and Vizhinjam and Muthalapozhi (Thiruvananthapuram).
- Who
- CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan levelled the allegations against the Kerala government led by Chief Minister V D Satheesan; the search covers missing fishermen Gautam Krishna, John and Shijin.
- What
- CPI(M) accused the Kerala government of neglect and delayed response in rescue efforts after a series of fishing accidents, while search operations for three missing fishermen continued.
- Where
- Off the Kerala coast, at Neendakara (Kollam), and Vizhinjam and Muthalapozhi (Thiruvananthapuram).
- When
- The allegations were made on Tuesday, August 11, the 12th day of the search; the fishermen went missing in incidents on July 31.
- Why
- CPI(M) alleged that inadequate preparedness and delayed response hampered rescue efforts and that the government neglected the fishermen community.
CPI(M)/LDF Criticism
Kerala UDF Government Position
Government preparedness
CPI(M)/LDF Criticism
The government failed to take timely preparatory measures despite awareness of climate change and extreme weather risks, and intensified searches only after mounting public pressure.
Kerala UDF Government Position
The government reportedly says it relaxed the seven-year waiting period for financial assistance to missing fishermen's families and used helicopters in search operations.
First-time relief measures
CPI(M)/LDF Criticism
Govindan rejected the Chief Minister's claim that relaxing the seven-year assistance rule was a first, citing exceptions made after the 2017 Ockhi cyclone and the Kavalappara and Mundakkai landslide disasters.
Kerala UDF Government Position
The Chief Minister reportedly said the seven-year waiting period for financial assistance had been relaxed for the first time by his government.
Helicopters and central agencies
CPI(M)/LDF Criticism
Govindan said ships, aircraft and helicopters were already deployed during Ockhi, and alleged the government was initially reluctant to seek deployment of central agencies.
Kerala UDF Government Position
The government reportedly claimed helicopters were being used for search operations for the first time in the state.
Key facts
- Accusing party
- CPI(M), led in the state by M V Govindan
- Government criticised
- Kerala government (UDF), led by Chief Minister V D Satheesan
- Missing fishermen
- Gautam Krishna, John, Shijin
- Date of mishaps
- July 31
- Search day
- 12th day as of Tuesday, August 11
- Search agencies
- Indian Navy, Coastal Police, Marine Enforcement Wing
- Locations involved
- Neendakara (Kollam), Vizhinjam, Muthalapozhi (Thiruvananthapuram)
- Key demands
- Reinstate trained fishermen; provide satellite phones and recharge facilities
Sources
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