Netting fishermen with promises

Rameswaram: Fishermen here gathered in large number at the Ganesh Mahal for a scheduled meeting with Kamal Haasan but were disappointed as he could give them only a couple of minutes before rushing away promising he would be back. But perhaps the rush of media persons, particularly the pushing TV crews, should be blamed for the fishermen's disappointment than the star himself.

However, some of them expressed anger that he found time to call their leaders over to his Hyatt room to discuss issues, albeit briefly, and promising them frequent trip to gather their problems first-hand. “We waited for long at the Mahal hoping to meet Kamal. He came, hugged a few of our leaders and left. This hugging medicine (kattippidi vaidyam) will only work in films (Kamal did that in his 'Vasoolraja MBBS')”, said fisherman S. Mahendran, sounding pretty bitter.

However, his leader N. Devadoss, president of Rameswaram fishermen association, said, “It was gratifying that Kamal heard our problems and promised follow-up. We had petitioned everyone possible, from the local councilor to the Prime Minister to help us with our problems with the Sri Lankan Navy. Nothing has happened. Let's hope Kamal will do something.”

State secretary N. J. Bose of the TN mechanized boat fishermen's welfare association, also expressed similar hope that Kamal would be able to intervene and deliver them from their Palk Strait woes.