CHENNAI: Fisherfolks in parts of Rameswaram and Thangachimadam have expressed gratitude to Chief Minister MK Stalin for having increased compensation of Rs 8 lakh from Rs 6 lakh for a seized mechanised boat, which was taken into the Sri Lankan custody.

“The Chief Minister also made further announcements to benefit the coastal community,” sources said.

Thanking the Chief Minister, S Emarit, deputy secretary of All Mechanised Boats Fishermen Association, Rameswaram, who takes part in the indefinite strike being organised at Thangachimadam, on Tuesday said the enhanced compensation has provided some relief for the agitating fisherfolks, who have been seeking the intervention of government authorities from India to hold bilateral talks with the Sri Lankan counterpart for the early release of jailed Tamil Nadu fishermen and also their boats.