February 26, Colombo (LNW): Fishermen from Thangachimadam and Rameswaram regions in Tamil Nadu, accompanied by their families, initiated a relay hunger strike on Saturday (24) in protest against the ongoing arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, a report by Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) disclosed.
Expressing concern over the recent imprisonment of five fishermen by the Sri Lankan authorities, with sentences ranging from six months to two years, P Jesu Raja, a prominent leader among the fishermen, conveyed to IANS that they have refrained from fishing activities for the past eight days.
The hunger strike will persist until all detained fishermen are unconditionally released, and assurances are provided by the Sri Lankan government to refrain from further arrests of fishermen, he emphasised.
Leaders within the fishermen association reiterated their commitment to the strike, even if it leads to dire consequences, including starvation.
Jesu Raja appealed to the Central government to promptly intervene, urging for the release of the fishermen along with their mechanised boats.
