Special: Uncertain, unruly tides the lifeline of Rameshwaram fishermen

For the last 50 years, 63 year old Anthony Sami has been going regularly into the sea, and as the trend follows his two sons also followed him into the sea. While Anthony during his early days had seen some good times, the last 30 odd years the sea has only offered suffering, fear and hardship. Venturing into the sea, the family lost all that they had.

THE PLIGHT

Anthony Sami had his first heart attack two years back when his boat was taken away by the Sri Lankan Navy, and the second attack was when he got news about his son getting arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Anthony Sami said, "Everyday night my wife and I cry not knowing what to do? Whether to cry for this situation that we are in? Or cry for the Sri Lankan issue that we have? We don't know whom to cry, Should we cry to the gods or people here or the Sri Lankans there. We just don't know what to do. "

KATCHATHEEVU PACT

Now, for the second time when his son has been arrested he hasn't been informed about this. While the entire family is worried about the son's situation, Anthony sami thinks that his son has been away for 31 days fishing. The 1974 Katchatheevu agreement between India and Sri Lanka has caused the downfall of the Rameshwaram fishermen.

Sagayam R, a fisherman from Rameshwaram, said, "Sri Lanka is considered as India's friendly neighbour, but then by their activities they don't look like they are our friendly neighbours."

The Rameshwaram fishermen have had times when they used to stay in Katchatheevu and do their fishing and where Sri Lankan fishermen used to come and stay in India and continue with their fishing activities. The 1974 accord that ceded Katchatheevu, however, ensured fishing rights for Indians around the isle, but the right was nullified in a subsequent agreement between foreign secretaries in 1976. Yet, Tamil Nadu fishermen visited the island without any hassle till 1983. All that changed after a civil war broke out between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan army. Though the Eelam war is over, the Katchatheevu region still awaits peace.

DO OR DIE SITUATION

Though the fishermen, after a meeting with officials in the Centre, have decided to withdraw their indefinite strike and venture into the sea again from August 3, fear and anxiety is written on their faces.

Emarit A, president, Rameshwaram Fisherman Association, said, "Indian fishermen go to the sea for livelihood but they are seen as criminals and handcuffed and taken away. For us the sea is our lifeline whether we die or live it will be in the sea."

While standing in the shores of Rameshwaram and watching these men move into the sea it looks like a jolly ride, but travelling in their boat in their shoes will have a different story. A story of struggle, and battle with the sea on a day to day basis.

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