Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu), Oct 11 (PTI) Fishermen hailing from the district on Saturday observed a token strike condemning the arrest of 47 fishermen and seizure of boats by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The development comes in the wake of the Tamil Nadu government seeking the intervention of the Centre for the release of the fishermen.
“Yes, they observed a token strike near the Harbour,” an official of Rameswaram Town Police Station told PTI.
Chief Minister M K Stalin, on October 9, urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to expeditiously secure the release of 47 fishermen apprehended by the Navy of the Island Nation.
As of October 9, a total of 242 fishing boats and 74 fishermen from Tamil Nadu remain in Sri Lankan custody, the chief minister had said in the letter.
Meanwhile, the All Mechanised Boat Fishermen’s Association, which is spearheading the agitation, said: “Nearly 400-450 boats have not ventured into the sea for fishing in view of the strike on Saturday.” Of the total 650 fishing boats registered with the association, around 200 of them have gone for fishing, said association president Jesu Raja.
“We will continue this protest till Tuesday. Till then, about 400-450 boats will not go for fishing. On Wednesday (October 15), we will decide the next course of action,” he told PTI.
In view of the forthcoming festive season, including Deepavali, a decision was made to hold protests till October 15, Raja said, as reports emerged that the fishermen would go for an ‘indefinite strike’ from Saturday.
Members of the association and families of fishermen, earlier in the day, staged protests near the Harbour to seek the attention of the Centre on the issue.
Slogans were raised demanding the release of the fishermen along with their fishing boats by the Sri Lankan Navy. PTI VIJ KH
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.