New Delhi, Sept 29 Angered by what they called 'laxity' on part of the Central Government to intervene in the issue of attack on Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan army, the members of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) held a day-long hunger strike here on Tuesday,

The protest comes close on the heels of a shocking incident in which 22 fishermen from the Nagercoil area of Tamil Nadu alleged that they were assaulted by the Sri Lankan navy in the sea.

Despite its several attempts, the Tamil Nadu Government alleged that the Central Government has not done much to solve the problem.

The protesting cadres are planning to submit an application to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, seeking his intervention in the matter.

"Sri Lankan army always arrest our fishermen, cutting their nets and hitting them. So, we are going to serve an application to the Prime Minister tomorrow. We are asking the Government of India to talk immediately," said L.K. Sudhish, a protester.

The fishermen from Nagercoil alleged they were stripped, beaten with ice blocks, their clothes, fishing nets and outboard motors were confiscated by the Sri Lankan navy.

They were even threatened with guns if they failed to comply with the demands. (ANI)