Date:01/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/01/stories/2006080119170300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Fisherwomen pull up leaders

Special Correspondent

VISAKHAPATNAM: Fisherwomen of Dibbapalem village near here expressed their anger at leaders dealing with the compensation package in no uncertain terms, alleging that benami persons were given compensation while the genuine cases were denied.

The Government provided compensation to the fishermen who were affected due to construction of a private port.

Some 400 women went to the houses of about half-a-dozen leaders in the village and questioned and abused them about the way the cheques were being distributed.

There were as many as 400 benami names in the list and several from out side the village were handed over the cheques while the resident of the village who should get the help had been ignored, the women said.

The leaders faced the wrath of the women for about three hours.

Assurance

The fisherwomen relented only after the leaders assured them that the matter would be referred to the Collector.

The women also decided to approach the District Collector on their own.