A group of fishermen from Kollam city, under the banner of the Matsya Thozhilali Union, laid siege to the district supply office here for over one-and-a-half hours from 12 noon on Saturday, demanding the release of this month’s subsidised kerosene quota for fishing vessels.
The fishermen, led by district president of the union H. Basilal, squatted inside the office raising slogans in support of their demand. A heavy police posse was present there.
The fishermen said they were completely dependent on the black market for kerosene now.
Despite the promise
The demonstrators refused to disperse despite the authorities’ promise that the issue will be solved in three days.
They continued with the siege, saying that many such assurances in the past had not been implemented.
By 1.30 p.m., the police entered the office and arrested the demonstrators.
They were taken to the Kollam West police station and later released on bail.
The police said 30 fishermen took part in the demonstration.
