Tamil Nadu CM Calls on Union Minister to Safeguard Fishermen and Secure the Return of 229 Boats from Sri Lanka

Chennai: Concerns Over Fishermen’s Safety

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, MK Stalin, has reached out to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to express serious concerns about the safety of Indian fishermen. He highlighted a troubling rise in attacks by Sri Lankan nationals on these fishermen, calling for immediate action to protect their lives and livelihoods.

In a recent incident on May 2, 23 fishermen from Nagapattinam district faced violence at sea from unidentified attackers. They lost vital fishing equipment, such as GPS devices and nets, along with personal items like jewelry. This attack has left the coastal communities of Tamil Nadu in distress.

Stalin is urging the Indian government to engage with authorities in both India and Sri Lanka to prevent such assaults in the future. The safety of fishermen has become a pressing issue, and decisive intervention is necessary.

The Chief Minister also addressed the Sri Lankan government’s plan to sink 34 Indian fishing boats seized in previous years as part of an artificial reef project. Stalin appealed for the return of these boats to their rightful owners, emphasizing the importance of these vessels to the fishermen’s livelihoods.

Currently, 229 fishing boats from Tamil Nadu remain in Sri Lankan custody. The Tamil Nadu government has initiated a proposal for the repatriation of 12 boats released by Sri Lankan courts and is seeking clearance for 14 salvage boats along with 101 fishermen. Stalin urged the Ministry of External Affairs to expedite these efforts.

The growing insecurity for Indian fishermen raises questions about their safety and economic stability. Recent surveys indicate that around 70% of fishermen feel unsafe due to increasing incidents of violence. Experts suggest that strengthening diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka could play a crucial role in resolving these conflicts and ensuring safe fishing practices.

As fishing remains a vital source of income for many families in Tamil Nadu, the government’s response will be critical in maintaining not only the safety of these fishermen but also the health of the fishing industry as a whole.

For further insights, you can refer to the report by the National Fishworkers Forum, which highlights ongoing issues faced by fishermen across the region.

Source link

TAMIL NADU CM STALIN, WRITES TO EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER, ATTACKS ON FISHERMEN, SRI LANKA SEIZES BOATS, TAMIL NADU CM URGES UNION MINISTER, TAMIL NADU CM URGES UNION MINISTER TO ENSURE FISHERMEN'S SECURITY