Rameswaram:
Mechanized boat fishermen began an indefinite strike here today,demanding immediate release of 13 fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan naval personnel since November 28 last year.
A decision in this regard was taken at an emergency meeting of fishermen's associations which urged the Centre to take steps to release all the fishermen, B Seshuraja, District Secretary of Tamil nadu Coastal Mechanized Boats Fishermen Association and Emerit, leader of Rameswaram Fishermen Welfare Association told reporters here.
They also urged both Sri Lanka and India not to arrest fishermen if they cross the International Maritime Boundary Line.
They alleged that the Centre was not taking any steps to protect the lives of fishermen "despite getting crores of Rupees from the fishing industry" and said fishermen were afraid of putting out to sea due to frequent attacks by Sri Lankan naval personnel.
While five fishermen were arrested by the Lankan Navy on Nov 28 and later imprisioned on drug smuggling charges, another four were held on Jan 3. Yesterday four more fishermen were held, they said.