Honnavar: Despite strong opposition and protests from fishermen, the construction, renovation, and expansion of ports in Karwar, Ankola, and Honnavar have begun, causing unrest and dissatisfaction among fishing community leaders. Allegations are surfacing that Congress leaders, after coming to power, have turned their backs on the fishermen and their interests.

Fishermen recall that when the BJP was in power, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President D.K. Shivakumar and other Congress leaders had actively supported them in opposing these port projects, assuring them of the party’s unwavering support. However, now that Congress is in power, the same issue is threatening their livelihood, and Congress leaders seem to have distanced themselves from their previous commitments.

Fishermen opposing the construction of a private commercial port in Honnavar’s Tonka area point out that D.K. Shivakumar had personally visited their protest site and pledged his support, vowing to stand by them at all times.

For the past few years, local residents and fishermen in Honnavar’s Kasarkod region have been protesting against the construction of a private port. The protests have led to police baton charges, legal actions against demonstrators, and even attempts of self-immolation by some protesters who jumped into the sea in desperation.

Now, as new port constructions gain momentum and existing ports undergo expansions across the district, the fishing community is growing increasingly concerned about its future. Meanwhile, their frustration with Congress leaders and their perceived double standards is intensifying.