Indefinite strike by Fishermen enters third day

Rameswaram Island, Jan 28 (UNI) The indefinite strike observed by the fishermen of Rameswaram Island entered the third day today.

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

More than 3,000 fishermen of over 850 registered Mechanised Fishing Boats in the Rameswaram island kept off the sea, since last two days, demanding removal of Sea Mines planted by Sri Lankan Navy recently for entering the Lankan waters.

Their demands also included dropping of stringent action against fishermen by the authorities concerned for corssing Indian waters and not to take action against fishermen for netting Cucumbers, an endangered sea species.

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

The striking fishermen were demanding that unless the Tamil Nadu Government takes remedial measures to solve their problem, they would continue their agitation.

Security was tightened, in view of the fishermen stir.

UNI GSM SW DB1318