Rameshwaram, Sep 14 (IANS) Despite Sri Lanka’s decision Sunday to release 38 Indian fishermen held captive there, fishing community in Tamil Nadu is not impressed.”The imminent release of some 38 of our brethren detained by Sri Lanka since Thursday adds insult to injury because of the island’s defence authorities’ clear knowledge that they are poor, innocent fishermen,” N.J. Bose, president of a state-wide fishermen’s organisation, told journalists here.

Bose was highly critical of Sri Lankan defence authorities.

“The island’s navy is inimical towards Tamils regardless of their origin. Hence, even though there were no provocations or illegal acts on our part this time, our colleagues are being attacked, detained needlessly,” Bose added.

MDMK leader Vaiko has criticised the governments of India and Sri Lanka for the alleged attacks of Tamils in the northern part of the island.

“Everyone knows that there is a war out there. Since India’s endeavour to help the suffering Tamils through the International Red Cross has been disallowed by Colombo, does the Sri Lankan government expect the Tamils in northern Sri Lanka to die of starvation by terming humanitarian supplies of essential goods as terrorist inputs?” Vaiko asked.