Fishermen demand tracing of missing mate, begin stir

RAMESWARAM: Fishermen here today began an indefinite strike demanding that the Union Government trace a missing fisherman from the state, who fell into the sea, after the boat in which he was sailing sank while allegedly being chased by a Sri Lankan naval vessel.

Local fishermen association president Emerit and another functionary Sagayaraj said 700 fishing boats did not put to sea today.

In the incident on September 27, four fishermen fell into water after their boat sank on being allegdly chased off Katchatheevu by the Lankan Navy. Three fishermen were rescued and taken to Thalaimannar while one was missing after the incident, they said.

The three fishermen subsequently returned due to the Centre's efforts but the missing one was yet to be traced, they said.

The fishermen wanted the Centre to trace him and bring him back to India, they said, adding, till then, they would not venture into the sea.