Udupi: A protest was staged by thousands of fishermen under the aegis of Karnataka state traditional fishermen's organization here on 26^th February, Monday demanding immediate release of subsidized kerosene.

The protest was held in front of DC's office in Manipal where thousands of fishermen had gathered.

According to the sources, last year the subsidized kerosene was distributed by the state government only in September and November unlike previous years when they distributed it from September to May through fair price shops and fishing cooperative organizations.

Since, kerosene is essential for traditional fishing, the fishermen demanded that the government take this issue seriously and initiate suitable measures to release allotted grants immediately as it is the time of the year when fishermen venture out to sea to earn their livelihood.

A copy of memorandum was handed over to deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis regarding the matter at the end of the protest.