Fishermen in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, commenced an indefinite strike today (30), calling for the release of 18 Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy and compensation for fishing boats that have been seized or damaged.

S. Emerit, the president of the fishermen’s association stated that the Sri Lankan Navy recently arrested nine fishermen and confiscated their boat on July 22. Additionally, nine fishermen and another fishing boat were detained following a fishing expedition on July 12.

Emerit noted that the Tamil Nadu government and Chief Minister have intervened, urging the central government to take immediate action to secure the release of the fishermen and their boats.

The fishermen of strike are also demanding that the Tamil Nadu government provide compensation to families whose fishing boats were seized by the Sri Lankan government between 2018 and 2026 or sunk by the Sri Lankan Navy. Emerit emphasised that compensation is essential to sustain the livelihoods of these families.

The association further called on the central and state governments to resume talks between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen and government officials, which have been stalled for over a decade.

He underlined the necessity of expediting negotiations and finding a permanent solution to prevent further arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen in traditional fishing areas by the Sri Lankan Navy.

All mechanised boats at Rameshwaram port participated in the indefinite strike on August 30.

Furthermore, Emerit stated that all fishermen’s organisations will jointly hold an indefinite hunger strike near the Valasai bus stand in Thangachimadam starting September 1 until their demands are met.

– with Agencies inputs --