Tamil Nadu Minister for Fisheries Anitha R. Radhakrishnan on Monday met fishermen protesting at Thangachimadam. The Minister assured the fishermen, whose protest had entered the fourth day, of necessary action by the State government on the issue. Ramanathapuram MLA Kadarbasha Muthuramalingam accompanied the Minister.

Mr. Radhakrishnan said the State government had always stood with the fishermen and their rights. “Though this issue must be dealt with by the Union government, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin went out of his way to stress the need for early intervention in the release of the fishermen,” he added.

By providing suitable compensation and assistance to the members of the fishing community, the State government, through the Fisheries Department, was providing all the support it could to the people, he said. He said that within a few days, Mr. Stalin would announce a better compensation for the seized boats. Besides, steps will be taken to arrange a meeting of the Union Ministers with fishermen representatives, he said.

Jesu Raja, a fishermen leader, said: “We are aware that the State government cannot do anything in this matter. So, we have planned to continue our protest until a Union government representative meets us. Otherwise, they should release a statement assuring the fishermen that their demands would be fulfilled.”

He also welcomed Tamil Nadu government’s decision to arrange a meeting with the Union government. Earlier, the fishermen resorted to a protest by seeking alms with a bowl, and also opened a gruel centre.