[Reader-list] Fisherfolk back anti-graft drive ; Express solidarity with Anna Hazare

[T Peter]

 Fisherfolk back anti-graft drive
| Aug 27, 2011 8:49:48 AM |
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2402408.ece

Thiruvananthapuram
Special Correspondent
Express solidarity with Anna Hazare

The National Fishworkers' Forum (NFF) and the Kerala Swathanthra
Malsyathozhilaly Federation (KSMTF) have expressed solidarity with the
movement against corruption led by Anna Hazare.

A release issued by NFF chairperson Matanhy Saldanha and KSMTF State
president T. Peter said fishermen all over the country were the
victims of corruption. They said the governments, both at the Centre
and the State level, were sub-serving the interests of corporates even
at the cost of the livelihood of the poor, including fish workers.

“To quote an example, CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) norms are to a
great extent in favour of the corporates, with serious repercussions
on the coastal communities of India who are being displaced from their
habitat.”

The NFF said many politicians and government servants had invested in
the fishing industry by acquiring small mechanised boats and deep-sea
fishing vessels registered in other names.

This, according to the federation, was not only an act of corruption
and injustice towards the people, but also responsible for destroying
the environment and the marine and inland ecology.

He NFF said corruption in the country was so deep-rooted that it
permeated all levels of administration. “The spate of scams at the
Central and State government levels proves that laws are violated
mostly to cater to the needs of corporate lobbies. The common man
resorts to corruption, even to get what is rightfully due. Therefore,
besides a strong Lokpal Bill, every State must also pass the Lokayukta
Bill within a period of two months to bring corruption under control
at all level.”

Expressing solidarity with the struggle against corruption, the
federation highlighted the need to isolate corrupt elements.

It exhorted other coastal and inland fishing communities to come out
to save the country from the canker of corruption.

The release called on the fisherfolk to desist from paying bribes,
also called speed money in local parlance. It said success in the
fight against corruption depended on exposing those who demanded
bribe.