Ballia Fishermen Protest Ganga Auction, Livelihoods at Stake

• Fishermen in Ballia are protesting the auction of a 10-kilometer stretch of the Ganga river, calling it an attack on their 'mother' and livelihood.
• Families, including women and children, are participating, expressing fear for their future as fishing is their sole source of income.
• Protesters allege contractors take 50% of earnings, tear nets, assault them, and sink boats, creating a climate of fear.
• BJP leader Surendra Singh joined the protest, accusing the administration of mismanagement and misleading the DM.
• Fishermen, who had fished peacefully for 22 years without auctions, warn of intensifying their movement until the auction is stopped.

Why It Matters: Ballia fishermen fiercely oppose Ganga auction, fearing loss of livelihood and cultural disrespect.