Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister Srinath to visit Delhi over fishermen arrests by Sri Lankan Navy
Thoothukudi, August 13
Amid the arrest of nine fishermen from Rameswaram by the Sri Lankan Navy, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister Srinath on Thursday said that he will visit Delhi next week to take up the issue with the Union Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, and the Union Minister of Fisheries, Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
Speaking to reporters at the Thoothukudi Airport, he stated that talks regarding the Tamil Nadu fishermen's issue are ongoing and that he has discussed the matter with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
He further added, "Next week, we will go to Delhi and meet the Union Minister of External Affairs and the Union Minister of Fisheries to discuss measures to prevent the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen. A positive outcome will be reached soon."
The Minister also mentioned that various beneficial schemes for fishermen will be included in the demand for grants for the Fisheries Department. He stated that several schemes aimed at benefiting fishermen have been evaluated, and discussions have been held with the Chief Minister and the Finance Minister regarding them.
"Many good schemes will be included in the demand for grants to fully benefit fishermen in a suitable manner," Minister Srinath said.
On the demand of Thoothukudi mechanized boat fishermen to grant permission for deep-sea fishing, the Minister responded that this request too has been included in the Fisheries Department's demand for grants, and an announcement regarding it will be made during the session.
Regarding the water scarcity issue in Thoothukudi, the Minister assured, "The drinking water issue in Thoothukudi will be completely resolved within a couple of days," adding that repair works are underway for damaged water pipelines in certain areas, and regular water supply has already resumed in several locations.
This comes after the Sri Lankan Navy on Thursday arrested nine fishermen from Rameswaram and seized their boat for allegedly fishing across the border near Katchatheevu.
According to the Coastal Security Group police, the group was part of a larger contingent of 297 fishing boats that had set out from the Rameswaram Port on August 12 after being issued formal fishing permits.
The seized vessel, registered as IND TN 10 MM 329, is owned by P Wellington, a resident of Thangachimadam Raja Nagar.
The nine arrested fishermen have been identified as J Janathan (45), A Anthony Pichai (38), K Vellaichamy (51), M Prabhu (43), Arogya Jeniston (25), P Stevin (30), M Donbosco (55), V Arogya Devin (31), and Subbaiah (52).
Following the arrest, the fishermen were taken to the Thalaimannar Naval Camp by the Sri Lankan Navy for further questioning.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Katchatheevu issue has been pending for decades. Handing over the island to Sri Lanka in 1974 was a big mistake. Our fishermen are suffering because of that decision. The central government needs to take this matter seriously and have strong diplomatic talks with Sri Lanka. Otherwise, the same cycle will continue forever.
It's good that the Minister is going to Delhi to meet EAM Jaishankar. But why wait for the arrest? This issue should have been raised earlier. The fishermen go out to sea to earn their daily bread, and they're being treated like criminals. The government should provide better protection and compensation for those affected. 🙏
I appreciate that the Minister is also looking into the water crisis in Thoothukudi and deep-sea fishing permissions. These local issues matter just as much. A holistic approach to coastal development is important. Hope the state and central governments work in tandem here.
Fishermen need to be careful not to cross the International Maritime Boundary Line. I understand their struggles, but the law is the law. The government should help protect them but also ensure they follow regulations. It is a tough balance, but some accountability is needed from both sides.
Our fishermen are the backbone of the coastal economy. The Sri Lankan Navy's actions are too harsh. These are poor people trying to make a living in a difficult environment. The government should negotiate strongly and also consider providing alternative livelihoods for those in conflict zones. 💯
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.