Matsyamela: Fish delicacies attract visitors

A large number of visitors savoured fish delicacies at the Matsyamela organised at Malpe beach in Udupi district.

Indian mackerel, seer fish and pomfret fries attracted the visitors. The Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Fish Marketing Federation had organised the festival to promote fish delicacies and to support the fishing community.

Further, there was a dog show, in which Labrador, Alsatian, Pug, Rottweiler and other breeds attracted the attention of onlookers.

Children flew kites as well. Beach Kabaddi and beach volleyball were other attractions at the venue.

Missing fishermen

Inaugurating the Matsyamela, G Shankar Family Trust founder-president G Shankar said that the Central government and the Defence Ministry should take up the issue of the missing fishermen along with their fishing boat very seriously. “The fishermen had left for deep sea fishing and have not been traceable till date. The government should not neglect the fishing community which is in distress,” he urged.

Speaking further, Shankar said, “The entire government machinery will be affected if farmers face any trouble in North Karnataka. Unfortunately, there is no value for the fishermen who are in distress now. The fishing sector is in distress in the coastal belt. The subsidy and loan facilities that are available for farmers should be extended to the fishing community.”

MLA Sunil Kumar said that the Centre will be pressured to take up a search operation of the fishing boat along with the fishermen.

Federation President Yashpal Suvarna, Leader of Opposition in Council Kota Srinivas Poojary, MLA Lalaji R Mendon and others were present.