ATTINGAL: CMP state secretary CP John said that the strike will continue until the case registered by the Anchuthengu police against Fr Eugene Pereira and the fishermen is withdrawn. He was inaugurating the march and dharna jointly organized by KLCA and Kerala Independent Fishermen's Federation to Anchuthengu station.

"You will be held accountable if you try to insult the children of the sea. CPM has become the party that rules the state by registering cases. The ministers who abuse the people should remember how they got to these positions," CP John said.

Independent Fishermen's Federation Anchuthengu Forona President Nelson Isaac presided over the event. KLCA State General Secretary Biju Josey Karumanchery delivered the keynote speech.

The march started from Anchuthengu Junction at 5 pm. The police stopped the march in front of the Anchuthengu police station by setting up a barricade in front of the station. A huge police contingent was prepared under the leadership of Varkala DySP Martin.

The strike raised demands such as fixing the unscientific conditions in Muthalappozhi and creating conditions for safe fishing, withdrawing false cases against the fishermen and Fr. Eugene Pereira. The protesters also sought an apology from the ministers for insulting the fishermen.