Mumbai, Oct. 19 -- A fishermen's union in Mumbai alleged on Monday that police stopped and detained them while they were on their way to protest at the suburban collector's office in Bandra east against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)'s proposed Manori desalination project. The Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti alleged that police detained their bus drivers and seized the bus keys.

The group called it an attempt to suppress the voice of the Koli community. The fishermen were planning to demonstrate against the desalination project to protect their traditional fishing grounds, livelihoods and the marine environment. The group sought clarification on the legal grounds for the police action.

"For the Koli community, the...