The Verkodu parish, which organises the annual Indian pilgrimage to Katchatheevu for the St. Antony’s Church festival, has decided to boycott the event scheduled for March 11 and 12 in protest against the gunning down of an Indian fisherman.
A day after the fishing community launched a massive protest against the shooting incident here on Tuesday, Verkodu parish priest Rev. Fr. L. Sagayaraj, chief coordinator of the festival, announced that Indian pilgrims would boycott the festival to register their protest against the killing.
“There is no point in taking part in the festival when there is no guarantee to the lives of the fishermen,” Fr. Sagayaraj told The Hindu .
“The Sri Lankan authorities have spoiled the very sanctity of the festival by resorting to the inhuman act,” he said, adding that the parish would not lead Indian pilgrims to the festival until the government finds a lasting solution to the issue.
