24 November, 2019
Thousands of fishermen from Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, kept off sea on Friday in protest after the Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) allegedly stopped them from fishing near Katchatheevu islet belonging to Sri Lanka.
According to Indian media, around 5000 fishermen are engaged in the strike urging authorities to intervene.
Rameswaram Fishermen Association president P. Sesuraja was quoted asking India’s Central Government to take the issue up with Sri Lanka.
“The Central government should raise the issue with the Sri Lanka government at the highest level to put an end to the attacks on fisherfolk,” he said.
Over 2500 Tamil Nadu fishermen in 497 boats were fishing in Katchatheevu islet when the Navy has allegedly driven them away.