After fisherman’s arrest in Lanka, daughter’s marriage called off by groom

Antony Santiago Arokiam (55) a resident of Ariyankundru in Rameswaram supported his family of five including his mother, wife, two daughters and a son by working as a fishing labourer. Initially, he owned a country boat which he had to sell some years ago, when his business fell on hard times. He then worked as a construction worker which also he was forced to leave after an accident in which his leg was broken. 

For the last four years, he worked as a labourer in the mechanised fishing vessel owned by one Bhaskar. While his eldest daughter is married, his son is jobless. His second daughter’s marriage was arranged for June 25. But after his arrest, as the family has no word from him – he is lodged in the Jaffna prison – his wife Sahayarani informed the groom’s parents, following which the marriage was called off. The family have now sought the help of the state and central governments to ensure Arokiam’s speedy return as he is the only breadwinner in the family.