Tamil Nadu fishermen observe fast, warn of intensifying stir against Sri Lanka hanging
7 Nov 2014 10:00 AM IST
Around 8,000 fishermen participated in the protest and staged a demonstation
Picture for representational purpose only (Photo: DC archives)
Chennai: “Union minister Sushma Swaraj, during her campaign in Ramanathapuram, assured us that there would a permanent solution to the Tamil Nadu fishermen’s issues and we want the direct intervention of Prime Minister Modi in the issue. If this is not done, members of fishermen federations will convene and announce our next course of action,” said Naanjil P. Ravi, spokesperson, Akilya Indhiya Meenavar Sangam.
In Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram, around 8,000 fishermen participated in the protest and staged a demonstation in the front of the Chennai district collectorate.
The fast in Chennai is estimated to have caused a trade loss of Rs 20 crore, according to Kasimedu fishermen. The Sri Lankan court’s order is a shock and this is just a token protest. If the union government fails to intervene we will intensify our protest, said protestors in Kasimedu fishing harbour.
Fisherfolk from 40 villages in the district participated in the fast and in Pulicat the entire town was closed down in support of the fishermen, said Durai Mahendran, general secretary of Thiruvallur Mavatta Parampariya Akilya Meenavar Sangam.
More than 10,000 country craft in the 42 coastal hamlets from Arockiyapuram to Neerodi in Kanyakumari district also abstained from fishing. The Kanyakumari fishermen also submitted a petition to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister through the district collector, seeking his intervention to exert pressure on the Narendra Modi government for a speedy solution to the problem.
Noted anti-nuke activist S.P. Udayakumar who participated in a demonstration organized by 14 fishermen organisations in Thoothukudi-Tirunelveli areas alleged that the union government had turned a blind eye towards issues related to TN fishermen.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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