A group of fishermen under the banner of the Chilika Mastchyajibee Mahasangha affiliated to the Communist Party of India (Marxist-leninist) liberation on Friday demanded demolition of encroachments in the Chilika waters by mafias for prawn cultivation. Members of the Mahasangha alleged that some corporate houses with the help of mafias have been continuing illegal prawn cultivation in the Chilika waters by making gheris (boundaries) through nylon nets which badly impacted on local traditional fishermen’s occupation.
Remembering the firing that had taken place on May 29, 1999 at Sorana in Chilika area, Mahasangha leader Muralidhar said administration along with mafias had killed five fishermen. “We will not take rest till the encroachment is not cleared,” said the leader. He said they are yet to get Phailin compensation towards the damages of boats and nets. Mafias with the help of the police have started creating conflicts between fishermen in order to weaken the movement against the mafias.
The fishermen also demanded rights over fishing in the lake. They urged the State Government not to create any disturbance in their communities. They also demanded high-level probe into the developmental works carried out by the Chilika Development Authority (CDA).