Fishermen abstain from fishing as mark of protest

Nagapattinam (TN), Jan 13 (PTI) Hundreds of fishermen inNagapattinam district today did not venture into the sea as amark of respect to a 25-year old man who was killed in firing,allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy, and to protest the"continuing attacks" on fishermen.

Enraged fishermen at Tarangambadi area in the districtdemanded concrete action by the Central and State governmentsfollowing the killing of Pandian yesterday after the SriLankan Navy allegedly opened fire 14 knots off Jagadipattinam,from where the victim set off to fish along with two of thisfriends.

While Pandian, belonging to the hamlet of Chinnagudi, waskilled on the spot, his two friends escaped, Fisheriesdepartment officials said.

"It is time for action from the (Central and State)governments. We are tired of hearing fancy rhetoric. Unlessthe governments initiate action to protect our lives, we willhave to give up fishing entirely," said Senthil, one of thenumerous fishermen gathered at Jagadipattinam.

As news of Pandian''s death reached Chinnagudi, a largenumber of fishermen belonging to the hamlet rushed toJagadapattinam along with Revathi, the 19-year-old sister ofthe victim.

Pandian''s killing allegedly by the Lankan Navy hasinfuriated the people of several fishing hamlets nearTarangambadi.

In a condolence meeting at the village, many fishermensaid the livelihood of the Tamil Nadu fishermen is beingcrushed by the Lankan Navy.

Recalling the attacks on fishermen in the past, includingthe killing of two fishermen of Arucottuthurai hamlet nearVedaranyam in Nagapattinam district in July 2008, thefishermen sought concrete action from the Central and StateGovernments "to stop the atrocities of the Lankan Navy." PTICOR ARP