Thiruvananthapuram - The protest staged by the fisherfolk in Vizhinjam port has entered its fifth day. More families of the protesting parties are expected to join the strike today. Talks with the government was met with some success, however the protesters have decided to continue the strike till all their demands are agreed to.

The government had initiated talks when the strike was intensified. The Latin Archdiocese said it was ready to participate in the discussion, however the strike will continue. The minister spoke to Trivandrum Latin Archdiocese Vicar General and the convener of the strike, Rev. Msgr. Eugine H. Pereira over the phone. The Latin Archdiocese welcoming the talks said the government should accept all the seven demands raised by the fishermen.

Msgr Eugene Pereira also responded to a recent comment of SNDP General Secretary and SN Trust Secretary Shri Vellappally Nateshan though media that criticisers should first see the fishermen's struggle for survival.

The fisherfolk community would not have to resort to such extreme measures, had the critics thought about the community’s problems earlier. They are now fighting for their survival. He also said that various labour organizations in Kerala support this just struggle of the fisherfolk.

The fisherfolk continue their protests in the day and spend their time at night in prayer. The government is yet to meet the two important demands of the protesters, to hold the construction of Vizhinjam port and to take a favorable decision for fishermen to purchase kerosene at a reasonable cost.