Madurai
When fishermen in about 300 boats were fishing near Neduntheevu on Saturday night, Sri Lankan Navy personnel came in five boats and attacked them. They also warned and sent them back. One of the fishermen, Kalaikoodam Sahayam, claimed that Sri Lankan Navy men hurled stones at the fishermen, and five boats were damaged in the incident. Fishing nets in a large number of boats were cut by the Sri Lankan Navy personnel, and fishing equipment was also damaged. They were forced to return with a poor catch, and if the situation continued they would have to abandon fishing.
Already, a large number of Rameswaram fishermen have gone to other states for working and soon others would join them if the Sri Lankan Navy keeps attacking them, according to Sahayam. Another fisherman Arun claimed that the Central government had promised them that Sri Lankan Navy would not attack them. They ventured into the sea ending their strike following the assurance but Sri Lankan Navy continued to attack them.
The central government should hold talks immediately with Sri Lanka and provide a permanent solution for them, Arun demanded. Rameswaram fishermen observed a fast for 12 days demanding the release of 103 boats held by Sri Lankan Navy and an end to attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy. They ventured into sea only on Wednesday after the central government promised to find a solution. Union Minister of State for Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan said in Thanjavur External Affairs Ministry was taking all steps to retrieve the boats seized by the Sri Lankan Navy.
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