Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jan 22: The families of seven fishermen of 'Suvarna Tribhuja' fishing boat which went missing under mysterious circumstances after leaving Malpe port for fishing on December 15, firmly believe that their breadwinners were abducted. They demand operation by the military as Maharashtra police and fishermen from that state they allege, have not been cooperative enough.

When media representatives visited houses of missing fishermen on Monday, the fishermen families expressed their unhappiness at the way the probe was handled. They feel that in addition to the Navy the Indian Army should be entrusted with the task of searching for the fishermen.

The families say they are almost certain that the boat did not become victim of any accident as its lights are visible for a distance of one and half kilometer. They noted that use of SONAR technology has failed to detect any remains of the boat at the bottom of the sea. The boat has also not crossed over to Pakistan. Therefore they feel that there are chances of the fishermen having been kept in captivity somewhere. They want the army to be given the responsibility of the search operation.

The families, particularly the lady members, are concerned about whether the missing fishermen are getting proper food to eat. They wished that the kidnappers keep the boat and fish catches with them and release the fishermen.

The families of these fishermen are not working since the last 37 days since the fishermen went missing. The entire families, menfolk of which are completely engrossed with searching for their close ones through various means, are going through hell now with the hope that the fishermen would be found one day.