Pattali Makkal Katchi youth wing leader and former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss would lead an agitation in Rameswaram on Saturday, demanding retrieval of Katchatheevu and pressing for a permanent solution to fishermen issue.
Announcing this at a press conference here on Thursday, PMK president G.K. Mani said leaders of various fishermen associations and a large number of fisherfolk were expected to join the stir.
He said the fishermen were prevented from fishing in their traditional waters in the Palk Bay only after India handed over the islet to Sri Lanka.
Fisherman K. Britjo was shot by Sri Lankan Navy 10 days back, but no action was taken by India or Sri Lanka. India should prevail upon the Sri Lanka to arrest its navy personal who shot Britjo, he said.
The government should also provide a solatium of ₹1 crore to the family of the deceased and collect the amount from the Lankan government, he said.
More than 800 Indian fishermen had so far been shot dead by the Lankan navy and India had not taken any action. The Centre should take immediate steps to secure the release of more than 125 fishing trawlers impounded by the Lankan authorities, Mr. Mani said.
Stating that Tamil Nadu was witnessing the worst drought, he said almost all parts of the State were facing severe drinking water crisis and demanded that the Centre declare Tamil Nadu drought-hit and release compensation. It should also waive farm loans extended by nationalised banks.
As the quality of education in the State was low, the State government should seek exemption from NEET examination for admission to medical courses. If NEET was held, a majority of the 6,500 medical seats in the State would be cornered by students from other States, he said.
