In a statement on Sunday, founder-president of PMK S Ramadoss said, “The decision of the Ramanathapuram district administration to ban the use of country boats to travel to Katchatheevu is a clear indication that the state government is not willing to intervene in this long-pending issue.” 

He stressed the government to allow the country boats. Ramadoss noted the state should either allow country boats or should arrange to ferry the pilgrims. The state government should allow the rights of the pilgrims to visit the island and lift the ban on the use of country boats, he urged.