[Reader-list] Candidates should specify stance: KSMTF

[T Peter]

*Candidates should specify stance: KSMTF *
*Date:31/03/2009* *URL:
http://www.thehindu.com/2009/03/31/stories/2009033151000200.htm<http://202.146.198.11/cgi-bin/sqwebmail?timestamp=1238751410&md5=8C9uLzi8ZeVdj%2B0CN9OEiw%3D%3D&redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehindu.com%2F2009%2F03%2F31%2Fstories%2F2009033151000200.htm>
*
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Fish Workers’ Forum and the Kerala
Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF) have urged the candidates in
the Lok Sabha elections to make their stand clear on the problems faced by
the fisheries sector. At a press conference here, KSMTF State president T.
Peter said successive governments at the Centre had failed to address
threats to the livelihood security of traditional fish workers. The
federation had stressed the need for a fisheries policy and a separate
ministry for fisheries. It had also been demanding a ban on import of fish
and operation of foreign trawlers in Indian waters as well as a reduction in
the tax on outboard engines, he said.
Mr. Peter also highlighted the demand for adequate supply of kerosene at
reduced rates for fishing boats.Other demands include scrapping the move to
replace the Coastal Regulation Zone with the Coastal Management Programme
and writing off the loans availed by fish workers and fish vendors.Mr. Peter
said a memorandum including these demands would be submitted to mainstream
political parties and candidates in the fray in coastal states. He added
that fish workers would decide to cast their votes on the basis of the stand
adopted by the candidates.
. — Special Correspondent