ANDHRA PRADESH

Victorious Struggle of

Displaced Fisherfolk of NAOB

Ch Narsinga Rao

AT a time when those being ruthlessly evicted from their lands were trying to resist it with whatever means possible, the nearly 5000 fishermen and their family members living near the sea coast of Vishakapatnam did not protest when they were being displaced due to a project. They were willing to sacrifice their homes and fishing rights since the proposed project was related to national security. The project was the construction of a very modern Naval Alternative Operation Base (NAOB) in Vishakapatnam, announced by the ministry of defence during the UPA regime in 2005.

But four years later, the fishermen and their families felt betrayed as both the central and state governments have failed to keep their promises regarding relief and rehabilitation measures for these displaced people. This apathy of both governments brought all the displaced people together who launched a united, relentless struggle under the aegis of CPI(M) for the last two years. The high point of their struggle has been a long 77 km march from their villages to Vishakapatnam collectorate office in September this year. Over 3000 fishermen and their family members participated in this march that began from the gate of NAOB on a hot September day. Through out the entire stretch the slogans of “Unity of fisherfolk” reverberated. The march was received enthusiastically by fisherfolk in every village along the coast. Short solidarity meetings were held en route during the three days of marching.

Both the NAOB management and the local state government which were adamantly refusing to hear the voice of the people, buckled down under the resolute struggle of fishermen. Although police personnel were mobilized in large numbers at the collectorate office, good sense prevailed and the district collector held talks with the agitating fishermen and CPI(M) leaders, which went on for four hours. An agreement was reached that conceded most of the important demands of fisherfolk. Given the fact that the government had gone back on its promise earlier in 2010, the leaders insisted on a written commitment from the collector this time. The collector, Luv Agarwal, conceded the request and put it in writing. Leaders of bourgeois political parties, who had kept away from the latest 28 day phase of struggle, poured in to express their solidarity with the agitating isherfolk!

The main demands of the fisherfolk that were conceded included the following:

(a) Issue identity cards to all persons of eighteen years of age and above

(b) Provide basic amenities at the rehabilitation colony

(c) Provide relief for all those who lost their livelihood due to this project

(d) Construct two fishing jettees on the creeks of river Sarada for fishermen activity

The collector also agreed to recognise women who sell fish and those who migrated temporarily from the villages for relief and rehabilitation purposes. The earlier declared amount of Rs 1 lakh as compensation would be disbursed immediately. The construction of jettees would be taken up on war footing. He also agreed to explore the options of employment in the base for local people as demanded by the CPI(M). The leaders wanted the collector to consider the experience of Karwar Naval Base, where locals were given preference for permanent employee posts.

The fisherfolk had conducted a 74 day long struggle in 2010 on these demands. Everyday, hundreds of fishermen and their families would go to the NAOB site and squat, cooking and eating there itself. Rasta rokos, gherao of government offices etc were conducted. On July 28, 2010 the administration came to an agreement with the agitating fisherfolk but since then did not care to implement any measures. The CPI(M) had then opposed the compensation package and argued for payment of 1250 workdays compensation to fisherfolk and 750 workdays for ordinary persons. That would have amounted to Rs 2.8 lakh for each fishermen. But the government unilaterally and arbitrarily decided on Rs 1 lakh as compensation and even that had not been disbursed.

CITU general secretary and MP, Tapan Sen, and CITU secretary Hemalatha took up the issue of NAOB displaced fisherfolk and met the union defence minister A K Antony seeking justice. The defence minister in a letter had assured Tapan Sen that the ministry will abide by whatever compensation package the state government decides. But the state government has no clear cut policy on compensation and relief and rehabilitation measures to be adopted. As long as such a policy is not in place, the struggles by the displaced are set to continue and intensify in the coming period.

The outpouring of solidarity with the struggling fishermen through out the length of the march was heartening. The marchers were provided with food, water, breakfast, night shelter etc by the toiling masses and working people of the area, voluntary. The marchers were so happy with the support that they did not even care the scorching sun. Even those who are in Congress fold and who did not join the struggle during the last two years, broke the shakles of the Congress and joined the march. It was a wonderful experience. It is once again clear that if people are convinced with the issue, they will support the struggle en masse cutting across political lines.