The News Minute | August 20, 2014 | 09:36 am ISTAfter commencing an indefinite strike that has almost lasted a month, the striking fishermen of Rameshwaram have decided to take matters into their own hands by taking over control of the Pamban bridge on August 23.According to The Hindu, the decision was arrived at when leaders of 11 fishermen association met on Tuesday after futile action by the State and Central government on the secure release of 62 boats seized by the Sri Lankan Navy after arresting 250 fishermen during the June fishing season.After talks with fishermen representatives in Chennai on Sunday, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan promised a secure release of all boats, “but there are no signs yet,” said N.J. Bose, a fishermen leader.The strike had started on July 24 as a three-part agitation led by the fishermen; however the fishermen had been dissuaded from sailing to the island of Katchatheevu in order to get refugee status and thus arrive at a long-lasting solution. Fishermen were agitated regarding the safety of the remaining boats after reports of four boats sinking due to damage came in. While Indian fishermen continue to strike, about 36 boats of Sri Lankan fishermen remain impounded in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, according to Mr. Bose. Read: Fishing operations come to a halt at Rameswaram