Fishermen associations in Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu on yesterday announced picketing of the Katchatheevu islet on April 25 to demand the release of their fishing boats from the custody of the Sri Lankan government, according to Times o.f India

Addressing reporters after a meeting of fishers associations in Rameswaram on Tuesday, one of the leaders, N J Bose, said several fishermen lost their livelihood as Sri Lanka confiscated 145 fishing boats. Foreign secretary S Jaishankar, who will be visiting Sri Lanka on April 7, should take up this issue with Sri Lankan authorities to secure the release of Indian fishing boats, he said.

Tamil film director V Gowthaman, who participated in the meeting as a special guest, said picketing of Katchatheevu would be backed by students and youth in the state. He said fishermen from other coastal districts of Tamil Nadu would also participate in the protest.