Kochi (AsiaNews) - More than 230,000 Christian, Hindu and Muslim fishermen met in front of government buildings today in Thiruvananthapuram to call on the authorities to ensure greater security at sea. "This is a special event," said Quilon parish priest, Fr Stephen Kulakkayathil. "We hope our government will heed our requests. In the past few weeks, there have been too many incidents that have affected our community."
The worst incident occurred on 15 February, involving Italian oil tanker Enrica Lexie and an Indian fishing boat, the St Anthony. Two members of the St Anthony, Gelastine and Ajesh Binki were killed. Two Italian marines on the tanker stand accused in the incident and are currently in an Indian jail.
The protest action, which started in Chingavanam, is organised by the Kerala Fisheries Joint Action Council, a group that includes trade unions and community-based organisations. At the end of the march, a petition was handed to Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
In it, the petitioners call for the Navy, coast guard, the Shipping Ministry's Mercantile Marine Department and unions to enforce greater maritime surveillance. More staff should also be hired as well.
An emergency hotline should be set up and satellite technology should be used to follow shipping and communicate with local fishing boats.
Families of men lost at sea should also receive greater financial aid and job offers.
The fate of the two Italian marines held in connection with the death of two Indian fishermen remains in the balance. The results of ballistic tests by Indian experts in the presence of Italian officials on weapons seized on the tankers are still pending.
Results "should come this week," Fr Stephen said. "But they are taking too much time. It is crucial evidence. The lives of many people depend on them: the dead men's families and the marines. If they are not guilty, we'll still have to find the truth." (GM)