Normal life hit in Karaikal following fishermen''s bandh

Karaikal,Jan 31 (PTI) Normal life was disrupted today asthe bandh call given by fishermen associations in 11 fishinghamlets protesting attacks on fishermen, allegedly by SriLankan navy, evoked good response in the district.

It was near total in all parts of the district and someincidents of stone pelting took place in which a few vehiclesgot damaged, police said.

Police brought the situation under control.

The Karaikal chamber of commerce and other tradersassociations had extended support to the bandh As a result,all shops remained closed in the district.

The fishermen resorted to road blockades at over 10 placesin the district.

Over 1500 fishermen were taken into custody, police said.

Vehicular traffic remained disrupted in the district.

In front of the Karaikal new bus stand, fishermen kept acatamaran on the road, blocking traffic.

The district wore a deserted look. Educational institutionsand government offices remained open, but most students andstaff could not reach their destination.

The fishermen associations have urged the state and centralgovernments to take immediate action to prevent attacks onfishermen.