Load men block clearance of sardines

But load men here have formed an association and are demanding higher wages, or indulging in extortion and intimidation, it is said. Traders refused to lift the stock because of this pressure. 

The fishermen belonging to Nagapattinam, Karaikal, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Ramanathapuram districts launched an indefinite stir on January 25 seeking steps to secure the release of Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy and their boats, following talks with the authorities. At the end of the fishermen’s agitation on January 29, many went to the sea for a catch on Saturday. Talks were held between Rameswaram DSP and the traders on Saturday to end the load men issue. As there was no settlement, traders refused to lift the stock on Sunday. About 800 tonnes of fish has got piled up in the harbour.  

After several hours, policemen helped the fishermen to load the fish into vehicles they had brought to the spot. This was followed by an emergency meeting of the fishermen association. It was decided that fishermen would not take their boats for fishing from Monday unless an agreement was reached between the traders and load men.