JOIN USBelur: Drama unfolds as fishermen dive into lake
They even pelted stones on a car belonging to Mysore Fisheries Board and damaged the vehicle.
Fishing at the backwaters of Yagachi reservoir comes under Mysore Fisheries Board since the past one and a half years.This was opposed by a group of local fishermen. In an effort to ease the problem Fisheries Minister Krishna Palemar visited the reservoir on Friday. Two groups of fishermen used the opportunity to stage a protest in front of the minister and also raised slogans against him.
The minister held discussions with both the groups and said development of fishermen and their community is his aim. He also assured to provide opportunities to professional fishermen to involve in fishing activities and a decision would be taken in another 15 days, he added.
Not convinced by his assurance, a group of fishermen threatened to commit suicide by jumping into the lake if they were not provided opportunity for fishing and also dived into the lake creating some anxious moments for those who had gathered on the spot.
Sub inspector M S Deepak jumped into the lake in an effort to rescue them and convinced them to return. But the agitators vent their ire by pelting stones on the government car and damaged the glass.
Police swung into action and brought the situation under control. MLA Y N Rudresh Gowda, ZP member M V Hemavathy and others were present.