Traditional Fishermen protesting big port authorities in Gujarat

[dhobikikutti]

From here

Machimar Adhikar Sangharsh Sangathan(MASS), Kutch
Bhadreshwar, Kutch, Gujarat, India
Visitors are amazed by the resilience and endurance of the fishing community that has survived the odds of nature and the forces of modernization for nearly two centuries now. In the gunny bag shacks, they see a people whose self honour is intact and pride in their tradition, culture and work is still alive. The situation of the Kutch fishing community presents many paradoxes. On one hand, we are engaged in a thriving craft that fetches us a steady reasonable income. On the other hand, exploitation by middlemen keeps us trapped in debts. Without any access to basic amenities, education and health facilities, we are denied of rights enshrined in India’s constitution. Now, our occupation - traditional fishing is at risk. Like ants being trampled by a herd of elephants, we are at threat of being wiped out by Adani's Mundra Port and SEZ, OPG Power Plant etc. All are equal, but some are more equal than others seems to be the case here as our rights continue to be violated in-spite of our appeals to all quarters for several years now. MASS is our tradeunion, based out of Bhadreshwar, Mundra Taluk, Kutch working to win our rights. Write to us at mass.kutch@gmail.com

The blog also has a filmed report from Tehelka.com and an online petition you can sign.