Indian fishermen boycott Katchchathivu
RAMESWARAM: The fishermen from here today decided to boycott
the two-day feast at Anthony's church to Katchchathivu to protest
against Sri Lanka not releasing 67 boats belonging to them.
As per an Indo-Sri Lankan agreement, Indian fishermen have right to
fish near Katchchathivu, dry their fishing nets there and offer worship
at the church, Fishermen's Association leaders Devadoss and S Emiret
said.
While the Sri Lankan government was allowing worship, they were
harassing the fishermen who put out sea in the Palk strait, they said.
The fishermen also decided not to provide boats for those who wanted
to visit the Katchchathivu for the festival.
The fishermen also protested against the new regulation brought out
by Sri Lanka to levy a fine up to Rs five lakh and imprisonment for six
months for those who crossed the IMBL and intruded into their territory.
Fishermen from Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, Nagapattinam and
Karaikaral and Puducherry Fishermens Association have decided to boycott
fishing from tomorrow and hold a fast on January 26th demanding the
relese of the boats.
Though India ceded Katchchathivu to Sri Lanka through treaties in
1974 and 1976, pilgrims from the country are allowed to take part in the
annual festival of St Antony's Church in the islet.
About 4,000 Indian pilgrims, including women and children,
participated in the annual festival of St Antony's Church last year.
-The New Indian Express
|