40 held for attempting to hoist national flag

15 August 2011 11:59 am Views - 4879

More than 40 members of a Tamil Nadu-based Hindu outfit were arrested today when they tried to put out to sea for hoisting the Indian national flag at Katchathivu in the Palk straits, ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974.

Police said 43 workers of the Hindu Makkal Katchi, including its state unit President Annadurai, were arrested when they were on their way to the fishing jetty here, en route to Katchatheevu island.

They were demanding that fishermen should be allowed to fish in and around the island.

Police, who were maintaining strict vigil, had banned fishing for the day to prevent any untoward incidents.

More than 2,000 fishermen did not put out to sea and 600 boats from Mandapam, Rameswaram were anchored on the shore today.

The BJP state unit had organised a sea picketing programme here on August 7 demanding protection for Tamil Nadu fishermen from alleged attacks by Lankan Navy. (PTI)