[Reader-list] Fishworkers oppose joint naval exercise

[T Peter]

Fishworkers oppose joint naval exercise
Date:25/08/2008 URL:
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/25/stories/2008082555240800.htm

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilaly Federation
(KSMTF) has protested against over the proposed joint naval exercise
between India and the U.S. in the coastal waters of Kerala.

The move initiated by the two governments known as 'Malabar Exercise,'
to be held in October would surrender the interests of not just the
fishing community, but also the entire country, KSMTF state president
T. Peter said in a press note on Sunday.

The agenda to include American nuclear ships in this exercise is a
major concern, it said. "The proposed nuclear deal between India and
U.S. will lead to the establishment of more nuclear plants in the
coastal area. Already, the Kalpakkam plant has exposed the fishing
community to health hazards like cancer, skin problems and pregnancy
disorders. It has led to a decline in fish stocks in the area," the
note said.

"The problems caused by nuclear plants do not impact the fishing
community alone. By exposing fish stocks to radiation, they could
threaten the life of the common man who depends on fish as an
affordable source of protein".