Indefinite strike by fishermen enters second day

Rameswaram Island, Jan 27 (UNI) The indefinite strike observed by the fishermen of Rameswaram island entered the second day today.

The busy Rameswaram Coastal Belt wore a deserted look with hundreds of mechanised fishing boats anchored at the coast, in view of the strike.

More than 3,000 fishermen of over 850 registered mechanised fishing boats in the island kept off the sea, since yesterday demanding removal of sea mines planted by Sri Lankan Navy between Katchatheevu and Neduntheevu.

They also demanded the immediate release of 12 Indian fishermen, who were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy recently, for entering the Lankan waters. Their demands also included dropping of stringent action against fishermen by the authorities for crossing Indian waters and not to take action against fishermen for netting sea cucumbers, an endangered sea species.

The strike would affect the livelihood of about 10,000 people, including fishermen, boat mechanics, agents and others, who were depending fishing industry.

The striking fishermen were demanding the Tamil Nadu Government to take immediate remedial measures for their problems, otherwise they would continue their agitation.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Fishermen Federation had decided to intensify the struggle, if the Government would fail to fulfill their demands.

UNI GSM GKTSB RN1425