A resolution to this effect was adopted at a meeting of various fishermen’s associations here, president of Harbour Mechanised Boat Fishermen’s Association P Devadass told reporters. He said the fishermen would stand in neck-deep water in ‘agnitheertham’ (the sea here) and stage a demonstration on September 2. They would launch an indefinite fast from September 12.
The fishermen demanded restoration of their traditional rights to fish in the Palk Strait. Besides, they sought compensation from the Sri Lankan government for damage caused to their boats due to idle anchoring.
The fishermen from the island town had resumed fishing operations only on August 3 following a weeklong protest after Sri Lanka set 77 of their colleagues free. It, however, refused to release more than 100 seized boats belonging to the fishermen from Tamil Nadu. Subsequently, four fishermen from Pudukottai were arrested earlier this month.
The Tamil Nadu government had informed that retrieval of Katchatheevu and restoration of fishing rights were its topmost agenda.
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