The fisherfolk of the district on Saturday launched an indefinite fast demanding the release of those arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The fishermen were on indefinite work boycott for the seventh day, demanding that the government announced a date for talks between the fishermen of the two countries.

Calling for the release of the 210 fishermen and 70 boats currently under detention in Sri Lanka, the fisherfolk from Pazhayar, Sirkazhi and Kodiakkarai arrived here in large numbers in support of their protesting colleagues.

The arrest of 111 Nagapattinam-based fishermen last week had prompted them to go on an indefinite work strike. Attempts at persuading them to give up their fast failed as their representatives refused to heed to the request of Nagapattinam tahsildar.

Later in the evening, Collector T. Munusamy, along with Superintendent of Police Sibi Chakravarthi and Revenue Divisional Officer Sivapriya, arrived at the venue. Even an assurance of government’s positive intervention failed to convince them.

Representatives of SDPI, CPI(M) and BJP also participated in the hunger fast.(The Hindu)