Udupi, March 4, 2026: The ongoing assaults and oppression faced by workers at Malpe Port are not isolated criminal incidents but systematic fascist violence targeting lower-caste and powerless labourers, charged Prof. Phaniraj, Convener of Sahabala Samsthe and senior thinker.

Addressing a protest meeting organised jointly by Udupi District Fishermen and Fish Workers Union, Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (Ambedkar Vada), Sahabala Udupi District, and like-minded organisations at the Aijarakadu Martyrs Memorial in Udupi on Wednesday, Prof. Phaniraj strongly condemned the continuous attacks, intimidation, and atrocities on fishing and port workers in Malpe.

He accused politicians, political parties, and vested-interest organisations of deliberately dividing workers along caste and religious lines to serve their fascist political interests and maintain control over the port area as a stronghold for goonda activities.

Prof. Phaniraj urged the government not to turn a blind eye and allow Malpe Port to become a fascist political playground and base for goonda forces. He demanded that whenever any incident occurs, police must intervene immediately upon receiving information and take lawful action without delay. Failure to do so would only ensure the continuation of violence against workers, he warned.

Dalit Sangharsha Samiti State Convener Sundar Master said such atrocities have become routine in Malpe Port. Silence would only embolden the perpetrators. He called for a strong protest demonstration directly at Malpe Port to stand firmly with the workers and give voice to their pain.

He stressed that the government must act immediately to prevent recurrence of such incidents, eliminate the fear gripping workers, and dismantle the feudal mindset prevailing in the area where law appears to hold no value.

Udupi District Fishermen and Fish Workers Union Secretary Kaviraj S. Kanchan, Sahabala leader Idrees Hooda, CPM leader Suresh Kallagar, and others also addressed the gathering.

A memorandum was later submitted to the Deputy Commissioner demanding urgent action on the Malpe incidents.

The protest was attended by Dalit Sangharsha Samiti leaders Manjunath Giliyar, Shyam Raj Birti, Manjunath Balkudru, Sahabala leaders Fr. William Martis, Hussain Kodibengre, Aziz Udyavara, CITU Udupi District President Shashidhar Golla, Secretary Chandrashekhar, leaders H. Narasimha, K. Shankar, Vaman Poojari, Chikka Mogaveera, Umesh Kundar, Mohan, Balkees, Sheelavati, Venkatesh Koni, and others.

Demands Raised in the Memorandum:

Immediate compensation from the government to assaulted worker Sheikh Ayyub.
Strict legal action against Mithun Karkera for assaulting fish auction worker.
Immediate withdrawal of the false case filed against victim worker Sheikh Ayyub.
Establishment of a permanent police outpost at Malpe Port to curb all illegal activities.
Special safety regulations and strict enforcement for women workers at Malpe Port.
Police to register suo moto cases in every assault incident on workers and provide protection to poor labourers.
Special security measures for migrant workers from other states and districts working at the port.
Compensation to families of workers who die while on duty.

GangolliNews

ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಜಾಹೀರಾತು ನೀಡಲು ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಸಂಪರ್ಕಿಸಿ.