Kollam: Two groups of fishermen clashed on the Kollam coast on Friday leading to the destruction of around 30 houses and several vehicles and injuries to a few police officers, including Commissioner of Police Satheesh Bino. Ban orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure preventing unlawful assembly were imposed in some areas, including Vaadi, Moothakara, Jonakappuram, and Kollam port.
The local fishermen had the other day prevented mechanised store boats from unloading their catch at the auction centre at Jonakappuram. However, the union workers in the area resisted the local fishermen leading to a scuffle between the two groups. The issue spilled over to the streets on Friday.
“The situation is under control now. The issue started with the local fishermen denying permission to unload catch from store boats alleging use of preservatives in the fish,” Special Branch ACP Rex Bobby Aravin told DC.
The local fishermen allege they won’t be able to sell their catch if the store fish is sold at the auction centre, while the union workers make good money with the store fish.
