Rameswaram mechanised boats fishermen to go on indefinite strike from August 30

All mechanised fishing boats will indefinitely abstain from venturing into the sea for fishing from August 30 in support of their charter of demands, including immediate release of fishing boats seized and fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan navy.

A resolution to this effect was passed by All Mechanised Fishermen Association at a consultative gathering, led by its president, V.P. After their boats were seized or sunk by Sri Lankan navy, the association said.

The Centre and the State administration should make efforts to convene negotiations between fishermen and officials of India and Sri Lanka to find a permanent solution to the frequent arrest of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan navy.

The association noted that Tamil Nadu government had ceased providing concession for diesel and permits for fishing boats whose worn-out wooden frames have been replaced with fibre, sesuraja, on Tuesday.

Besdies, the fishermen will begin a relay hunger strike at Thangachimadam on September 1 till their demands are met.

The resolution stated that three fishing boats, including the one that drifted towards Neduntheevu in Sri Lanka, had been seized and 29 fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan navy since July 22.

Tamil Nadu government should impress upon the Centre to recover the seized boats and secure the release of fishermen, the resolution remarked.

Tamil Nadu government should immediately provide compensation to fishermen who were left out. Considering the livelihood of the fishing community, the State government should extend those benefits to fishermen of Rameswaram harbour as given to fishermen of other fishing harbours.