THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ongoing protest against the construction of Vizhinjam port is likely to get settled. CPM leaders and representatives of the Latin Archdiocese have informally reached a rough understanding regarding measures to ensure the welfare of fishermen.

The team led by the Vicar General of the Latin Archdiocese, Eugene Perera, held informal discussions with Minister V. Sivankutty, CPM District Secretary Anavoor Nagappan and CPM Kovalam Area Secretary PS Harikumar. The meeting was held the other day at Rose House, the official residence of Minister Sivankutty. Kerala Kaumudi had reported yesterday that the Minister had held a discussion with the representatives of the Latin Archdiocese.

The strike committee's new demand is that a monthly rent of Rs 8000 should be paid to those who have lost their homes and are living in warehouses. Earlier, they had demanded a monthly rent of Rs 5,500. Other demands given in writing are that the kerosene subsidy should be reduced from Rs.25 to Rs.35, and Rs.200 per day should be paid in case of loss of employment due to inability to go to sea for two or three consecutive days. The CPM leaders said that they could not accept the demand to give two and a half cents of land instead of flats to those who lost their homes. Then it was agreed to build a flat.

The archdiocese said that it will soften its stance if the government accepts these demands. The leaders said that it will hold a discussion with the cabinet sub-committee and the chief minister regarding the written demands.