Rameswaram fishermen launch indefinite strike

Rameswaram (TN), Jan 17 (PTI) Fishermen in thiscoastal region today launched an indefinite boycott of fishingdemanding their safety and harmonious fishing in the PalkStrait in the wake of recurring attacks on them allegedly bySri Lankan Navy.

Nearly 600 mechanised boats and 3,000 fishermen willstay away from fishing, protesting against the attacks.

Rameswaram Fishermen''s Association president Sesurajansaid that the Indian Navy and Coast Guard have remained "mutespectators" to the attacks.

Condemning the killing of a fisherman fromJegadapattinam on January 13 in firing allegedly by Sri LankanNavalmen, he claimed that the Central and state governmentswere not giving any protection to the fishermen.

The fishermen alleged that the Sri Lankan Navalmen notonly assaulted them, but damaged their boats, subjected themtorture and snatched their GPS equipment and mobile phones.

They would resume fishing only if the Coast Guardensured their safety and paved way for harmonious fishing, thefishermen said.

India had summoned Sri Lankan High Commissioner PrasadKariyawasam and lodged a strong protest over the Jan 13killing of the fisherman, saying such incidents have no"justification".