Chirala: Fishermen groups clash during MP Mopidevi's visit

Chirala: Rajyasabha MP Mopidevi Venkataramana witnessed the toxic effect of politics on his community men during his tour to Chirala on Monday. The MP's efforts to pacify the fishermen villages didn't pay much attention as the political rival groups try to dominate throughout his visit.

The objections of fishermen from Katarivari Palem and other villages over the use of bottom trawler nets (Ballavala) by the fishermen of Vadarevu took a violent turn last Friday, though the officials assured a peaceful resolution between them.

The Katarivari Palem fishermen vandalized Vadarevu village and nearly 20 people from both villages were injured in the incident. Since then, the police department arranged pickets in both villages while the district administration temporarily banned the use of bottom trawler nets by Vadarevu fishermen and shore sheer nets (Ailavala) by the Katarivari Palem fishermen.

The MP from fishermen community Mopidevi Venkataramana wanted to meet both the villagers and find an amicable solution assuring support from the government. On Monday, he along with the local MLA Karanam Balarama Krishnamurthy, former MLA Amanchi Krishnamohan visited the 13 fishermen from Vadarevu and Katarivari Palem, injured on Friday receiving treatment at a private hospital in Chirala.

While Venkataramana's convoy was on its way to Vadarevu, the vehicles of Amanchi Krishnamohan supporters tried to overtake the Vehicles of Karanam Balaram and a dispute arose. The Balaram men attacked two of the Amanchi men and beaten them black and blue.

When the MP was interacting with the local women at Vadarevu, they got angry after seeing Amanchi and complained about him. They alleged that it is Amanchi Krishnamohan, the mastermind behind the attacks on Vadarevu fishermen. The locals asked the former MLA why did he come to Vadarevu after attempting to kill them just for supporting others.

While the MP going to Katarivari Palem, a supporter of Krishnamohan in the convoy, dashed a Vadarevu villager. They dragged him to the ground and attacked indiscriminately, which triggered the violence again. The Vadarevu villagers damaged the AR DSP's car, as the police tried to shift the victim from the scene. After a lot of struggle, the police managed to bring the group to peace.

Speaking to the villagers of Vadarevu and Katarivari Palem at their respective villages, Mopidevi Venkataramana advised them to be brothers and respect each other.

He said that the Chief Minister is implementing various schemes for the benefit of fishermen and asked them to utilize them. He said that the fishermen community is known for their discipline and loyalty to the community and asked them to keep it up. He advocated for the unity between the groups of fishermen and said that patience helps them to grow together. He asked them to cooperate with police department in maintaining law and order.