Fishermen withdraw four-day stir

The fishermen of this island decided to withdraw their four-day old strike demanding release of their boats seized by the Sri Lankan navy, a top functionary of the local fishermen association said.

S Emiret, leader of the local fishermen's association, said they were resuming fishing from Wednesday taking into account their livelihood and an assurance by the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission office at Chennai that their grievances would be considered.

Fishermen were on strike for the past four days demanding release of boats seized by the island navy and also condemning attacks on them.

The fishermen had staged a picketing programme in front of the Deputy High Commission office yesterday.