Madurai, Aug 18 (IANS) Mechanised boat fishermen in Rameswaram have announced an indefinite strike from August 31, demanding urgent intervention by the Union and Tamil Nadu governments to secure the release of Indian fishermen imprisoned in Sri Lanka and resolve the longstanding fishing dispute between the two countries.

The fishermen warned that they will begin a continuous hunger strike at Thangachimadam on September 1 if the authorities fail to respond to their demands. Representatives of fishermen’s associations said the protest would continue until both governments initiated concrete measures.

Sagayam, a representative of the Rameswaram Mechanised Boat Fishermen’s Association, said the fishermen were seeking the immediate release of all Indian fishermen lodged in Sri Lankan prisons. They also demanded the return of mechanised boats confiscated by the island nation’s authorities during previous arrests. Many of the seized boats have reportedly remained in Sri Lankan custody for prolonged periods, leaving their owners without a livelihood.

The fishermen urged the governments to either retrieve the vessels or provide adequate compensation to the affected boat owners. The association also called for the resumption of talks between representatives of Indian and Sri Lankan fishing communities, stressing that direct dialogue supported by both governments was essential to finding a lasting solution to recurring arrests and boat seizures in the Palk Bay.

Fishermen from Rameswaram frequently face detention by the Sri Lankan Navy on allegations of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line while fishing. The repeated arrests have created uncertainty among coastal families and severely affected the local fishing economy, the association said.

The fishermen cautioned that suspending fishing operations would have wider consequences for the coastal economy. Apart from boat owners and fishermen, thousands of workers employed on mechanised vessels and in related activities depend on regular fishing operations for their livelihood.

“Our families depend on this income to meet our daily needs and support our children’s education,” the fishermen said, adding that repeated disruptions had pushed many households into financial distress.

Association representatives urged the Union government to take up the matter with Sri Lanka through diplomatic channels, while asking the Tamil Nadu government to extend financial and legal assistance to affected families. They said only sustained bilateral negotiations could prevent further arrests and protect the livelihoods of fishermen operating from Tamil Nadu’s coastal districts.

–IANS

aal/dan