Is it a victory?

'Unsatisfied', the church calls off the 138-day-old anti-Vizhinjam port stir after its meeting with the chief minister. The LDF and the media are celebrating it as a major political victory for the former. The church was quick to add that the truce was only temporary! Consequently, the Adani group has announced its decision to resume the construction work without delay, so as to meet the deadline of Dec 2023.

Seven Demands By The Protestors And Assurances

* A permanent rehabilitation program for coastal people

Government. Rs.2,450 crore Punargeham project is meant for rehabilitation. Project to be completed within 18 months.

Protest council. Acceptable.

* Subsidy for kerosene used in fishing boats

Government. Kerosene subsidy of Rs.25 per litre will continue. Will provide a one-time subsidy to shift to diesel. Subsidy for the diesel also offered. Govt spent 252.68 crore on subsidies since 2016.

Protest council. Acceptable.

* Compensation for work hit due to adverse weather warnings

Government. Already providing aid for fishermen during adverse weather. Steps taken to ensure work under Ayyankali and Mahatma Gandhi job guarantee schemes.

Protest council. Acceptable.

* Resolving issues at Muthalapozhi

Government. Appointed Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune to study the issue. Further action based on report.

Protest council. Acceptable.

* Solution to sea erosion issue

Government. Measures being implemented to protect the coast. Expert panel appointed to study the issue. A monitoring committee under the chief secretary will study coastal protection measures.

Protest council. Acceptable.

* Rented accommodation for people living in camps

Government. Started distributing rent to 284 families. Rent for two months to be given as advance. Adani group will provide the extra Rs.2,500 to increase the rent amount to Rs.8,000 for each family.

Protest council. Refused funds from Adani group.

* Stop construction of Vizhinjam port

Government. Work shall not be stopped. An expert committee has been appointed to study the impact by communicating with the coastal people. Necessary action will be taken based on the report.

Protest council. The Janakeeya committee constituted by them will also study the issue.

My take

I think it's a hastily cobbled up truce where two points put forth by the protesters have been wished away which will have subsequent ramifications. The LDF must stop calling it a victory because it seems to be fragile. Truly an uneasy truce, especially, because the fisher folk feel let down by the church. 

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores, the Wednesday 'aarathi' was carried out and was ready by a quarter past 9. 

Met up with Dr(Mrs) Sodhi for Lekha's cough and cold and she has been put on medicines. Went to Thampuranpadi junction, bought fish for the cats and returned. The Akshaya kendra work was a non-starter! Washing machinex of soiled clothes of the last four days as the maid is in hospital.

As part of the 'Veer Gaadha' program, I'd interacted with about 60 class VIII students - of Assissi Vidyaniketan Public School, Kaakkanaad - for an hour, from 1300 hrs. I spoke for about a half an hour and took questions from the audience; was invigorated by the interaction.

Today is Thrikkarthika vilakku. Lit up the house with the traditional earthenware lamps.