Protest's against Indian govt. say fasting fishermen

[TamilNet, Thursday, 19 February 2004, 12:30 GMT]
"Our protest is against the Government of India because it is not doing anything about our plight. The chief minister of Tamil Nadu Ms. Jeyalalitha should pay attention to our problem. We will not return to India without our boats", said an Indian fisherman who was admitted to the Jaffna teaching Hospital after he fainted while fasting to death in the Sri Lankan government prison in the northern town Thursday.

Sixty seven Indian fishermen are on fast unto death protest in the Jaffna prison demanding that they be released along with their boats.

Eleven have been admitted to the Jaffna teaching hospital after they fainted due to exhaustion.

The fishermen were arrested at different time for poaching in Jaffna's maritime zone.

Seventy one boats seized from the Indian fishermen by the Sri Lanka Navy are lying at the Kankasanthurai naval harbour in Jaffna.

The fishermen admitted to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital said they have written to the Indian Prime Minister, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the Attorney General of Sri Lanka.