Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to negotiate a new agreement with Sri Lanka to secure fishing rights for the state's fishermen near Katchatheevu. Speaking at an official event in Nagapattinam on Monday, Stalin highlighted the persistent arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy as a pressing concern, particularly for the coastal district.
Stalin referenced the recent detention of 32 fishermen from Rameswaram, along with their five boats, noting that he had raised the issue with the central government. According to a report cited by the Centre, Tamil Nadu fishermen faced 736 attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy up to November 22, 2024. Stalin argued that the Union government bears the responsibility of finding a lasting resolution but accused it of failing to act decisively.
Despite ongoing India-Sri Lanka discussions at both fishermen and ministerial levels, Stalin criticized the lack of progress, alleging that Sri Lanka continues to flout agreed-upon decisions. He pointed to unfulfilled assurances from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and urged the Centre to treat Tamil Nadu fishermen as Indian fishermen, with Modi taking a direct role in resolving the crisis.
"The arrests of our fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy must stop," Stalin declared, calling for the repeal of a 2018 Sri Lankan law imposing harsh penalties on fishermen. He also raised concerns about exorbitant fines imposed by Sri Lankan courts upon the release of detained fishermen and the auctioning of their seized boats.
Stalin pressed Modi to initiate talks for the release of detained fishermen and their vessels, provide legal assistance, and end the practice of hefty fines. He emphasized the need for a new bilateral agreement to ensure Tamil Nadu fishermen can operate near Katchatheevu without fear of reprisal.
Since Modi took office in 2014, Stalin noted, 3,656 Tamil Nadu fishermen have been arrested and 611 boats seized by Sri Lanka over the past decade, underscoring the urgency of the situation.