Rameswaram fishermen begin indefinite strike demanding release of detained peers, restoration of fuel subsidies

Mechanised boat fishermen in Rameswaram launched an indefinite strike from Monday following an emergency consultative meeting, demanding the immediate release of nine local Rameswaram fishers arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The meeting of the Rameswaram All Mechanised Boat Fishermen Association was held on Monday, where a series of resolutions were unanimously adopted.

The association condemned the arrest of nine fishermen, who had ventured into the sea from the Rameswaram port on October 3 aboard a mechanised boat bearing registration number IND TN 10 MM 457, along with the seizure of their vessel by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Urging both the Union and State governments to intervene decisively, the fishermen called for immediate diplomatic pressure to secure the release of the detained men and their boat, while reiterating the urgent need for a permanent solution to the recurrent cross-border fishing dispute.