KOVALAM/VIZHINJAM: Conflict over the distribution of compensation to catamaran workers who lost their jobs in connection with Vizhinjam port construction. Minister Ahamed Devarkovil was stopped by the protesters when he came to distribute the financial assistance of Rs 2.22 crore sanctioned by the state government.

A section of fishermen who did not receive compensation protested under the leadership of Vizhinjam Thekkumbhagam Muslim Jamaat officials.
The police forcefully removed the protestors who were squatting in front of the minister's vehicle, adding to the tension. The angry protesters blocked all the roads at Kovalam Junction for several hours.

The incident took place in front of Kovalam Animation Center around 10 am yesterday. The protest alleged that only the fishermen of Vizhinjam North have not received the compensation package yet, and around 1500 shallow water fishing workers and 450 mussel workers in the region are yet to receive the package. The protestors blocked the minister and VISL MD Divya S Iyer, demanding that the compensation distribution be postponed and distributed together after a decision on the compensation package for the Vizhinjam North's fishermen is taken. The protestors did not relent, although the minister said that a decision will be made on the matter immediately and the distribution of compensation should not be obstructed.

As the minister entered the hall where the ceremony was taking place, the protesters also tried to push through. When this was stopped, there was friction between the police and the protesters. Protesters protested by squatting in front of the main gate. After the inauguration, the protestors who squatted in front of the minister's vehicle were forcibly removed by the police. After the minister left, the protesters blocked all the roads at Kovalam Junction. Traffic was disrupted for hours as more fishermen rushed to the spot and blockaded the bypass at Kovalam junction after learning of the tension.

Then, under the leadership of Fort ACP S Shaji, more police reached the spot. After getting the information, Sub-Collector Ashwati Srinivas and Deputy Commissioner Nidin Raj reached out to Jamaat President U Shafi, Secretary Abusali, Municipal Councilor Nizamuddin and representatives of the fishermen, and promised to take a decision on the package on the 24th. The blockade was ended after they promised to discuss the package on 24th.

The Jamaat office-bearers said that they were protesting against the non-implementation of the decision in the meeting called by Minister Saji Cherian last week that compensation would be distributed only after the package of fishermen in the North is resolved. The Jamaat president said that the authorities were pushing them into protest.