Rameswaram (TN): Mechanised boat fishermen of Rameswaram have decided to go on an indefinite strike from Monday, to condemn the recent killing of a Tamil Nadu fisherman, allegedly by Sri Lankan navy.
A decision to this effect was taken at an urgent meeting of All Fishermen Associations here here this evening, B Sesuraj, a leader of the fishermen association, told reporters.
Fishermen will observe a 'silent mourning' on January 18 at Saint Susaiyappar Church at Vercode and later stage a demonstration in front of Rameswaram Taluk Office to condemn the incident. Country boat fishermen will also participate in the mourning, he said.
R Pandiyan, a fisherman hailing from Jegadhapattinam in Pudukottai district, was killed in firing allegedly by Sri Lankan navy in mid-sea on January 12.
India had summoned Sri Lankan High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam and lodged a strong protest over the killing.
The Sri Lankan envoy, however, denied involvement of his country's Navy in the killing of the fisherman.
The incident also evoked a strong reaction from Tamil Nadu with Chief Minister M Karunanidhi sending a telegram to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for strong action to end such "atrocities".
PTI
First Published: Monday, January 17, 2011, 00:34