Thiruvananthapuram: Several fishermen across Kerala plunged into floodwaters at several places across the flood-hit state and were copiously praised by leaders and public alike for their brave humanitarian mission.
A leader of fishermen even refused to accept Rs 3,000 offered to each member of the community by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan for the exemplary rescue work done. Khais Mohammed from Fort Kochi said in a video post that he and his colleagues were happy to hear the words of praise from the chief minister for the role they played in going to the remotest areas amid pouring rain and dangerous waters to rescue the marooned.
Khai took to social media refusing the money for saving his 'brethren,' even while appreciating the chief minister's promise on repairing their boats.
"We are really happy that we could rescue several people. What made us happier was when you said that we (fishermen) are your army. But after that we heard that for our services we will be paid Rs 3,000. Sir, that made us really sad as we do not want money for saving the lives of fellow humans," Mohammed said.
Fishermen from major fishing centres on Kerala coast reached the worst-hit Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts with their boats after unprecedented rains and the opening of sluice gates of dams spread misery especially on lands close to rivers.
Pinarayi had expressed his appreciation for the work done by the fishermen, even calling them ‘Kerala’s own army.’
