THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a conciliation attempt amid continuing resentment over the allocation of the fisheries portfolio, Fisheries Minister V E Abdul Gafoor visited the headquarters of the Latin Archdiocese and held talks with Archbishop Thomas J Netto on Friday.
After meeting the church leadership, the minister assured that the issues faced by fishermen would be addressed and said the government will take everyone along in its decisions. Calling it a friendly visit, the minister said the promises made in the UDF manifesto concerning coastal communities would be implemented.
Meanwhile, the Latin Church said it was too early to conclude that tensions had eased. Church representatives said they would remain cautious until key coastal concerns were resolved. Their demands include the construction of sea walls in erosion-prone areas, full implementation of the rehabilitation package linked to the Vizhinjam port project, and a permanent solution to accidents at Muthalapozhi harbour.
The Latin Church has been voicing dissatisfaction over the absence of a representative from the community in charge of the fisheries department. It had even boycotted the swearing-in ceremony of the UDF government. The discontent intensified after the portfolio was allotted to the IUML.
A church representative said differences will not be resolved just because the minister went and met them. He also said that Chief Minister V D Satheesan had assured direct intervention in coastal issues and conveyed that the church would not be treated merely as a vote bank.
The Latin church leadership had maintained that since nearly 80% of fisherfolk and coastal residents belong to the Latin community, the fisheries department should have gone to a representative from the community. The church had openly backed the UDF in constituencies, including Thiruvananthapuram and Kovalam.
Church’s demands
Church representatives’ demands include the construction of sea walls in erosion-prone areas, full implementation of the rehabilitation package linked to Vizhinjam port project, and a permanent solution to recurring accidents at Muthalapozhi harbour