Detained Sri Lankans end fast

The 14 Sri Lankan nationals, who launched an indefinite fast from Wednesday morning, called off the fast following talks with Additional District Magistrate (ADM) O Raju, who promised to complete necessary steps to sent them back home.

The Sri Lankan nationals, lodged in Gandhi Bhavan here, ahead of deportation, chose the protest path alleging apathy on the part of the authorities in completing necessary procedures.

They were held in Kollam since June 3, in connection with an attempt to illegally travel to Australia, in a fishing boat from Sakthikulangara coast. The court released them from prison on the ground that they were victims and were lodged in Gandhi Bhavan, ahead of their deportation.

On Wednesday, seven women, who are relatives of the detained Sri Lankans, too joined the protest at the Gandhi Bhavan. Rajesh Thiruvalla, coordinator of the Gandhi Bhavan told Express that the Sri Lankans and their relatives went to a temple on Wednesday morning ahead of their fast.