Thoothukudi Villagers Protest for Release of Fishermen Arrested by Sri Lankan Navy
In Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, the fishermen community and villagers in Tharuvaikulam staged a one-day hunger strike on Monday. They demanded the release of fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. The protestors plan to meet the Tamil Nadu Governor tomorrow to discuss the issue.
Shops in the area remained closed as a mark of protest. A large number of traders, villagers, and fishermen, along with their families, participated in the protest. Murugan, one of the protestors, urged the central and state governments to cancel the fine imposed by the court on the fishermen and facilitate the recovery of two powerboats seized by the Sri Lankan Navy along with the release of 22 fishermen.
The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 22 fishermen who had gone fishing in two boats last month from Tharuvaikulam, Tuticorin district, claiming that they had entered Sri Lankan territory. The fishermen were handed over to the Kalpiti Fisheries Department, produced before the Puttalam District Kalpitiya Tourism Court, and lodged in the Wariyapola Jail. The trial is underway in the court there.
According to the protestors, the Sri Lankan court has asked 12 fishermen aboard one of the boats to pay a fine of Rs 42 lakh (Rs 1.5 crore in Sri Lankan currency) and given them a six-month sentence in default of payment. The protestors have demanded relief from this fine.
Doubts Revealed
Thoothukudi -: Thoothukudi is a coastal town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its port and fishing activities.
Tamil Nadu -: Tamil Nadu is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its rich culture, temples, and coastal areas.
Sri Lankan Navy -: The Sri Lankan Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of Sri Lanka, a country located to the south of India. They patrol the waters around Sri Lanka.
Hunger strike -: A hunger strike is a form of protest where people refuse to eat to show their demands or grievances. It is a peaceful way to draw attention to an issue.
Governor -: The Governor is the head of a state in India. They represent the central government in the state and have various administrative powers.
Wariyapola Jail -: Wariyapola Jail is a prison in Sri Lanka where people who are arrested are kept. In this case, the fishermen are being held there.
Fines -: Fines are money that people have to pay as a punishment for breaking a law or rule. The fishermen are facing fines for allegedly entering Sri Lankan waters.
