Indian fishermen begin fast for release of boats seized by Lanka

Demanding immediate release of 13 Tamil Nadu fishermen and 95 fishing trawlers from the Sri Lankan government's custody, more than 500 mechanised and country boat fishermen, including women fisher folk of Rameswaram, began a daylong fast at the Thangatchimadam coastal hamlet,this morning.

The Sri Lankan naval forces had arrested 413 fishermen from the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in 51 incidents during the last ten-month-long fishing season. Except 13 fishermen nine from Pudukottai and four from Rameswaram, all others were released by the Sri Lankan government. However, 95 fishing trawlers, including country boats confiscated from the fishermen were not released by the island nation.

Talking to mediapersons at the fasting venue, P Seshu Raja, Secretary of Tamil Nadu Coastal Mechanised Boats Fishermen Association said the livelihood of fishermen was severely affected due to continuous attacks and arrest of innocent fishermen, besides the detention of their boats by the Sri Lankan government.

''If the Centre fails to react even after our hunger strike, then we will mobilise the support of fishermen of 13 coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and stage a massive agitation before the May 16 Assembly elections,'' he said.The fishermen also demanded that the Centre take concrete steps to restore the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay. (web India)