Fisherfolk to protest Shivaji Memorial on December 22

Mumbai: The Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti has sent a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in connection with laying the foundation stone of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Memorial in the Arabian Sea which is to take place on December 24in the city.

Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti has been protesting since a long time now as laying the foundation stone would not only harm the environment but also affect the livelihood of fishermen. Hence, president of the fishermen’s foundation, Damodar Tandel, has made it clear in the letter that Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti, National Green Tribunal, and all the fishermen have planned to hold a protest on December 22. As part of the protest, fish markets will remain closed and black flags will be hoisted by each and every fishing boat and fisherman’s house.

Shedding further light on the issue, Mr Tandel said, “We are not against the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but this statue will not only destroy the business of fishermen but it is also not safe for the environment. Prime Minister Modi should keep the environment angle in mind and cancel his visit to Mumbai for the inauguration. The amount they are spending on building the statue can be used to waive off farmers’ loans.”

While the inauguration has been scheduled for December 24, there hasn’t been much hype about it. The fishermen’s foundation and the entire Koli community plan to kick-off their protest on December 22. However, final decision on the same is yet to come.