Fishermen from this region today went on an indefinite strike demanding release of 56 of their colleagues arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing in Lankan territorial waters.
Fishermen organisation president Emerite claimed about 30,000 fishermen are taking part in the protest.
About 800 mechanised boats did not put to sea for fishing, he said.
Fishermen demanded that the Union Government take necessary steps for the release of the arrested fishermen.
A meeting of various fishermen associations had also resolved to hold a 'road roko' on April 12 at the Pamban bridge connecting the island to mainland.
Thirty fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested and their five mechanised boats seized by the Navy personnel while fishing near Katchatheevu on April 6 besides 26 fishermen, who ventured into the sea in six mechanised vessels from Karaikal the previous night.
