A day-long strike, called by the various group over the ongoing controversy in connection with an alleged deep-sea fishing contract between the CPI(M)-led government and a US-based company, hit life in coastal areas of Kerala on Saturday. Organizers have called the action to condemn planned cooperation between the state-owned Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation and a US-based multinational company.

The strike has been called by the opposition to protest the manner in which the ruling Left government tried to go forward with the fishing project deal that will be a blow to the fisher community in the coastal state. Boats did not venture into the sea in the majority of places and hundreds of fishermen kept themselves away from their job, expressing solidarity with the agitation.

Harbours and shops in coastal areas remained closed in various districts. Both boat owners and traditional fishermen were cooperating with the strike, the Samithi sources said.

As the government had already cancelled the MoUs in this regard with the EMCC International, the US-based firm, three outfits were staying away from the stir.

However, leaders of other outfits claimed that the government's assurance lacks clarity.

The Left government had decided to cancel a Rs 5,000 crore memorandum of understanding (MoU) between KSIDC and the EMCC International, against which the Opposition Congress has been raising serious allegations. They had also cancelled another controversial MoU worth Rs 2,950 crore between the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) and the same company to build 400 deep-sea fishing trawlers and new harbours and for the port development activities.

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