Rameswaram mechanised boats fishermen to go on indefinite strike from August 30
Fishermen in Rameswaram, India, have announced an indefinite strike starting August 30 to protest the arrest of their colleagues and the seizure of boats by the Sri Lankan navy. The All Mechanised Fishermen Association is demanding government intervention to secure the release of detainees and provide compensation for damaged or confiscated vessels.
Why it matters
The strike highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and livelihood challenges for fishing communities operating in disputed maritime borders between India and Sri Lanka.
All mechanised fishing boats will indefinitely abstain from venturing into the sea for fishing from August 30 in support of their charter of demands, including immediate release of fishing boats seized and fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan navy.
A resolution to this effect was passed by All Mechanised Fishermen Association at a consultative meeting, led by its president, V.P. Sesuraja, on Tuesday.
Besdies, the fishermen will begin a relay hunger strike at Thangachimadam on September 1 till their demands are met.
The resolution said that three fishing boats, including the one that drifted towards Neduntheevu in Sri Lanka, had been seized and 29 fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan navy since July 22.
Tamil Nadu government should impress upon the Centre to recover the seized boats and secure the release of fishermen, the resolution said.
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