Five fishermen from Rameswaram, recently released from Sri Lankan custody, returned to India with their heads tonsured, sparking outrage among local residents and political leaders. The fishermen, detained by the Sri Lankan navy on August 26 for alleged poaching, were released by the Mannar court on September 5 after paying a fine of SLR 50,000 each. Three others were sentenced to six months in prison and a similar fine for repeated offenses.
The fishermen’s return was marked by protests in Thangachimadam and sharp condemnation from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), which has organized a demonstration in Rameswaram on September 20. The incident has led to accusations against the Union government for not taking a stronger stance against the fishermen’s treatment.
Ainnasi Raja, one of the released fishermen, described their treatment, saying they were forced to undergo head tonsuring and were treated as convict prisoners, including being assigned menial tasks. Fishermen leaders in Rameswaram criticized the delay in arranging the fine, which contributed to the fishermen’s prolonged distress.
The CPM’s upcoming protest will be led by state secretary K Balakrishnan and will include participants from coastal districts.
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