Nagapattinam: Fishermen in Rameswaram on Monday ended their week-long protest over the killing of a colleague, allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy, while those from Tamil Nadu’s five coastal districts began an indefinite fast over the issue and to press for other demands.
Over 5,000 fishermen from Nagapattinam, Karaikal, Tiruvaurur, Thanjavur and Pudukottai began the indefinite fast in front of the head post office here.
The stir is being led by fishermen panchayat leaders of the five districts.
Mohandoss, leader of Nagapattinam Fishermen’s Panchayat told reporters that the stir was to press for their demands, including suitable compensation from both Central and state governments to the family of deceased fishermen Britjo. He also sought immediate release of all Tamil fishermen from Lankan prisons and retrieval of over 140 fishing boats held by Sri Lanka. “Our other demands include, rollback of tax on diesel in the state and formation of a separate Union ministry for fisheries welfare,” Mohandoss said, adding the stir would continue till the demands are met. Meanwhile, Fishermen Association leaders P. Sesuraja and S. Emerite told reporters at Rameswaram that they support the stir of their counterparts in Nagapattinam.
They said ending the Rameswaram protest was temporary and they would leave for Delhi on March 20 to meet Union ministers for discussions on the issue of the Lankan naval attacks. The future course of action would be decided after returning the next day, the leaders said. Earlier in the day, fishermen at Rameswaram withdrew their week-long protest after the funeral of Britjo was held at his native Thangachimadam amid tight security. His mortal remains was taken out in a procession and buried at Anthoniarpuram Catholic cemetery.
The fishermen had decided to withdraw their stir on Sunday after talks between a delegation of their leaders, led by Struggle Committee President Arualanandam, and Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Pon Radhakrishnan in Rameswaram. After the meeting, Arulanandam had said the ministers have
assured that their demands would be met.
