Fisherfolk of Akkarapettai and Keechankuppam hamlet on Thursday began a strike demanding the release of 50 fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday.
However, marking a break from the solidarity usually found among the Nagapattinam taluk fisherfolk in times of crisis, only the fishermen from the two hamlets have struck work. Of the 11 hamlets in Nagapattinam taluk, fishermen in nine settlements continued their business as usual.
Chitravelu, panchayatar of Nambiyar Nagar hamlet, told The Hindu that considering the livelihood compulsions, it would be impossible to extend solidarity for the strike.
“We have made it clear in a district-level meeting of all hamlets, on the eve of the conclusion of the annual fishing ban, that only respective villages whose fishermen are arrested will go on strike.”
“Fihsermen have already been warned not to breach the IMBL. The community in the district has decided not to stand by the fishermen whose boats breach the boundary as it affects the community as a whole,” Mr. Chitravelu said.
When contacted, Thiruvaraichelvan, panchayatar of Akkarapettai said the fishermen did not appeal for solidarity from other hamlets. “The Chief Minister has written to the Centre. This time around, our fishermen were arrested close to the boundary,” he told The Hindu .
