Tamil Nadu fishermen call of 6-day strike, demand arrest of Sri Lankan Navy officers

Tamil Nadu fishermen on strike were informed that Minister Nirmala Seetharaman was meeting them on behalf Prime Minister Narendra Modi and promised them of strong action.

Following the death of the 22-year-old fisherman, Bristo, who was killed in the alleged firing by the Sri Lankan Navy on March 6, thousands of fishermen gathered at Thangachimadam in Rameswaram to stage a protest. The fishermen have demanded the arrest of the Lankan navy officers involved in the incident.

Bristo’s family had refused to take the body from the hospital and had said that they would not conduct his final rites till they get justice. However, after having talks with the Union Minister, now they have agreed to conduct the final rites, which is being held on Monday.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palanisami had written to Prime Minister Modi to take strong action in this regard.

Meanwhile, India’s Vice President Hamid Ansari has said that Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered a probe into Bristo’s death. Ansari had raised the issue with the Srilankan counterpart. After the incident was reported, Ansari, who was in Indonesia for the Summit of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), held a meeting with Sri Lankan President Sirisena, who also took part in the summit.

However, it was learnt that Sirisena had a meeting with the Chief of Sri Lankan Navy. But the Navy personnel have said that no such incident had taken place. Sirisena is said to have asked for a full investigation into the matter.

Apart from this incident, as many as 76 Indian fishermen are in Sri Lanka’s detention.

• Tamil Nadu fishermen
• TN fishermen strike
• TN Sri Lankan Navy
• Indian fisherman killed