AIADMK stages demonstration against attack on fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy: Report

RAMANATHAPURAM: Cadres of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Sunday staged a demonstration in Rameswaram protesting against the alleged attack on Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Former Ministers Jeyakumar, Kalaimani, A. Anwarraja, district secretary K.C. Animuthu, former district secretary S. Murugesan took part in the agitation. Besides, around 400 cadres and fishermen participated in it.

The protesters raised slogans against the Sri Lankan Navy for attacking the Tamil Nadu fishermen who often went to Kachchatheevu for fishing. They condemned the State and Central governments for failing to protect the fishermen from attack.

Stating that the issue had been pending since 1984, they said the governments concerned did not make sincere attempts to solve the issue. Several incidents had taken place even after the end of hostilities in Sri Lanka. The fishermen had been forced to indulge in indefinite strike as they could not go for fishing in the traditional fishing areas. Their livelihood had been affected badly.

The protesters also urged the State and Central governments to retrieve Kachchatheevu. – (The Hindu)