Rameswaram (TN): Families of five fishermen, arrested by Sri Lankan Navy personnel last month, today sat on a day-long fast to demand their immediate release.
Women members of the fishermen families also held a prayer meet here for the safe release of the fishermen, Fisheries department officials said.
Leaders of various fishermen`s associations also assembled at the prayer meet in support of the families. District Secretary of Tamil Nadu Coastal Mechanised Boats Fishermen Association, P Seshuraja claimed fishermen are hesitant to put out to sea fearing attacks by Lankan naval personnel. The Lankan Navy personnel had arrested the five fishermen on drug smuggling charges on November 28, triggering protests from local fishermen, who refused to put out to sea until a solution was found.
PTI