INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Fishermen of Rameswaram on Tuesday ended their eight-day long strike, a day after Chief Minister M K Stalin treked the financial aid to
anglers whose boats were impounded in Sri Lanka and assistance for households of anglers suffering in the island countries jail.The anglers
also aborted their indefinite fast, which they had started on March 1
Revealing the decision to media persons, anglers leader and convenor V P Jesu Raja stated the decision to abort the stir was taken at a
conference of numerous association representatives
A resolution adopted at the meeting thanked Mr Stalin for treking the financial assistance for owners of taken boats from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8
lakh and daily assistance for family members of jailed anglers from Rs 350 to Rs 500
The fishermen thanked the Chief Minister for instructed MPs from Tamil Nadu to draw the attention of the Ministry of External Affairs and
short officials about the circumstance and guarantee that the imprisoned fishermen and their boats were released safely.The members stated
in view of the efforts taken by the government and the guarantee from the Chief Minister that the issue would be taken up with the Union
federal government, the anglers dealt with to drop the indefinite strike as a mark of respect and a message that they were prepared to
comply with the governments.The anglers associations attracted the Union government to help them have a dialogue with the fishermen leaders
of the Northern Province in Sri Lanka
We will explain our problems and let them also share their difficulties ..
Mr Jesu Raja stated and urged the Centre to take it up with the highest levels in the Sri Lankan federal government for safe release of the
anglers and their trawlers.The members stated an irreversible option ought to also be designed and offer a relief to the fishermen, who have
been traditionally fishing in the Palk Straits.In the event of any unfavorable response from the governments, the conference resolved to
delight in a rail roko agitation on March 21 and likewise if required, obstruct the Pamban Rail Bridge inauguration.Though there were
division in the views of the members in seeking compensation, they were unanimous in continuing their stir such as rail block agitation and
among others.As the Katchatheevu festival at the St
Antonys Church is set up to happen on March 14 and 15, the anglers associations decided to take the next course of action after the event
But, they said that the rail roko agitation would take place in the event of non-compliance of their needs by the governments.According to
Mr Jesu Raja, the anglers might venture into the sea from Saturday (March 8)
They had actually kept away from normal fishing activities since February 24, he said.Source: The Hindu-- Agencies
