RAMANATHAPURAM
Expressing solidarity with Cyclone Ockhi-hit Kanniyakumari fishermen, Rameswaram fishermen continued their protest for the third day on Sunday, urging the State and Central governments to trace all missing fishermen, and paid homage to those who died by conducting special prayers.
A day after Pamban fishermen took out a rally, Rameswaram fishermen, led by a Mechanised Boat Fishermen Association leader P. Sesu Raja, took out a procession from St Francis Church to Infant Jesus Church at Thangachimadam in Rameswaram island on Sunday evening and staged a protest demonstration in support of Kanniyakumari fishermen.
After taking out a procession, the fisherfolk, including a large number of women and children, prayed in the church and paid homage for the fishermen who died in the cyclone, when they were fishing on the high seas. Children held candle lights as a mark of respect for the departed souls.
As reports suggested that still a large number of fishermen were missing, the State and Central governments should step up search and rescue operation and continue the operation till the last fisherman was traced, Mr. Sesu Raja said.
The State government should pay compensation of ₹25 lakh each to the families of those killed in the cyclone on the lines of relief provided by the Kerala government. As the fishermen families had educated members, the government should give employment to one each from the families of the victims, he said.
