A meeting of Fishermen's association held here today decided not to venture into the sea till the five fishermen, who had been sentenced to death by a Sri Lankan court were released.

Talking to reporters here, N J Bose, T Sesuraja and S Emerit, leaders of Local Fishermen's Association, said a meeting of the Fishermen's Associations from 13 coastal districts would be held on November 6. If the fishermen were not released before that date, they would decide about picketing the Parliament.

They also said the Indian Intelligence Bureau officials had said that the fishermen convicted by the Sri Lankan Court were innocent. Besides the state police officials also had said that they were innocent. The Sri Lankan Court's act of would cause a damage to the good relationship between the two countries, the fishermen association leaders said.

They also demanded the release of 79 Fishing boats, 24 fishermen, and three country boats under the custody of the Sri lankan officials.

Meanwhile people belonging to all the religions in the area decided to hold a demonstration and fast in Thangachimadam to protest against the Sri Lankan court verdict. The shops in Thangachimadam would remain closed for tomorrow.

The police today registered a case against 2000 persons for damaging the railway properties worth Rs 20 lakh during the last night violence, on a complaint preferred by railway officials.
(Outlook)