Mechanised boats anchored on the shore as fishermen began indefinite strike in Rameswaram on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: L. BALACHANDAR
Mechanised boat fishermen in Rameswaram on Sunday launched a strike, demanding the release of fishermen imprisoned in Sri Lankan jails.
Fishermen associations said three mechanised boats from Rameswaram had been seized in recent times, and 29 fishermen jailed. More than 20 fishermen from Tamil Nadu had been convicted and serving sentences ranging from six months to two years.
The protesters demanded that the Union and State governments take measures to secure their release. “In order to find a permanent solution to the long-standing dispute, bilateral talks between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen, which have not taken place for the past 10 years, should be resumed,” they said.
The mechanised boat fishermen also announced that they would stage a fast-unto-death protest at Thangachimadam on September 1 in support of their demands.
Over 500 mechanised boats remained anchored at the Rameswaram fishing jetty on Sunday due to the strike Small mechanised boat fishermen associations did not participate in the strike.
Published – August 30, 2026 08:18 pm IST
