THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government will recruit 200 people from the fishermen community for the coastal police force. While doing so, priority will be given to members of the families of cyclone victims, the government said at an all-party meeting held here on Friday.The government said it has already transferred Rs 31 crore for distribution of assistance to the families of cyclone victims. Moreover, it will provide Rs 2,000 for a week along with free ration to each family who have been finding it difficult to go for fishing. Later, speaking to the media, Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty Amma said 96 people were still missing.
The Latin church of Thiruvananthapuram however, pegs the missing persons figure at 104.
The Minister said though the government had announced Rs 20 lakh for the families of the fishermen who had died in the cyclone, efforts would be made to ensure total assistance of Rs 25 lakh as demanded by the Opposition; the government will not be obstinate in the matter. Three persons admitted at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College hospital were discharged on Friday.
Bodies of 2 identified thru DNA test
T’Puram: Two bodies of fishermen who died in the sea in Cyclone Ockhi were identified here through DNA test. The identified are Jude, 42, of Thoothukudi, and Antony, 41, of Adimalathura. As per the official records, nine bodies are yet to be identified. As on Friday, the death toll in the cyclone has gone up to 37.
Church plans strike against government
T’Puram: The Latin Catholic Church has decided to step up agitations against the government for failing to trace the fishermen still missing at sea. The Latin Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram whose consensus talks with the state government were inconclusive, is planning a day-and-night strike outside the Raj Bhavan from Monday onwards.