Rameswaram fishermen call off strike

After the 45-day ban, the fishermen had only 18 fishing days in the new season, which began on June 1

The Rameswaram fishermen, who launched an indefinite strike on July 24 demanding an end to attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy and the release of 62 boats, will resume fishing from Monday.

Leaders of 11 fishermen associations met here on Saturday and decided to end the strike as they could not afford to continue it in the absence of any alternative livelihood.

“Though there is no assurance from the Centre or the State government to secure the release of the boats, we have decided to call off the strike as making a living has become increasingly difficult,” said P. Sesu Raja, a fishermen leader.

Through another resolution, the associations decided that fishermen not sail up to Sri Lankan shores and not use the banned purse seine and pair trawling nets to ensure trouble-free fishing, he said.

After the 45-day ban, the fishermen had only 18 fishing days in the new season, which began on June 1, as the Sri Lankan Navy frequently arrested them on the charge of poaching and seized their boats, he said.