Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu: Intensifying their five-day old indefinite boycott of fishing pressing for safety and security in traditional areas in the Palk Bay, fishermen of this district today held a demonstration in front of the Collectorate in Ramanathapuram.
The fishermen have been boycotting fishing since July 24 highlighting their demands including putting an end to frequent "arrests and harassment" by Sri Lankan Navy personnel.
District Collector K Nandhakumar, who addressed the fishermen, informed them about the steps being taken by the state government both legally and through the Centre to ensure their peaceful fishing activities.
He also asked them not to resort to any agitation that would weaken the efforts of the state government.
Following this, they withdrew their decision to handover the Registration Certificate (RC) books of their boats to the District Collector.
However, the fishing boycott would continue, local fishermen association leaders S Emerit and T Sesuraja said.
They pleaded with the Collector to replace the three boats that got sunk while being brought from Sri Lanka, and also secure the release of 38 fishermen and 56 boats in Lankan custody. The Collector assured that their boats would be replaced in due course.
On their demand for a meeting with the officials of the Centre, he said he would arrange for it through the state government.
The two leaders also said the fishermen would hoist white flags on their boats tomorrow and proceed to Katchatheevu on Aug 2 with their families to "surrender" to Lankan officials so that they would at least be able to survive and earn their livelihood peacefully.
The fishermen have been boycotting fishing since July 24 highlighting their demands including putting an end to frequent "arrests and harassment" by Sri Lankan Navy personnel.
District Collector K Nandhakumar, who addressed the fishermen, informed them about the steps being taken by the state government both legally and through the Centre to ensure their peaceful fishing activities.
He also asked them not to resort to any agitation that would weaken the efforts of the state government.
Following this, they withdrew their decision to handover the Registration Certificate (RC) books of their boats to the District Collector.
However, the fishing boycott would continue, local fishermen association leaders S Emerit and T Sesuraja said.
They pleaded with the Collector to replace the three boats that got sunk while being brought from Sri Lanka, and also secure the release of 38 fishermen and 56 boats in Lankan custody. The Collector assured that their boats would be replaced in due course.
On their demand for a meeting with the officials of the Centre, he said he would arrange for it through the state government.
The two leaders also said the fishermen would hoist white flags on their boats tomorrow and proceed to Katchatheevu on Aug 2 with their families to "surrender" to Lankan officials so that they would at least be able to survive and earn their livelihood peacefully.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Nasser Hussain Thinks Ollie Pope's Appointment As Test Captain For Sri Lanka Series Augurs Well For England Rs 700 Crore, 18,000 Women Workers: Foxconn's Tamil Nadu Housing Unit Sri Lanka Star, Previously Summoned For Poor Disciplinary Record, Suspended For Doping Violation Life On Earth Originates From One Ancestor, Older Than Previously Believed Villagers Try To Drive Away Elephant With Spiked Rods, Fireballs. It Dies For Debate Against Kamala Harris, Donald Trump Picks This Hindu American 2 Killed In West Bank Strike, Israel Says It Targeted "Terrorist Cell'' 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Russia, Several Aftershocks Recorded Prohibitory Orders In Kolkata Amid Protests Over Doctor's Rape-Murder Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.