The Communist Party of India’s (CPI) state secretary, R Mutharasan, has called on the central government to take immediate action regarding the ongoing attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy on fishermen from Tamil Nadu. In a statement released on Friday, Mutharasan condemned the repeated assaults and emphasized the need for government intervention to safeguard the interests and livelihoods of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen.Mutharasan’s statement highlighted a recent incident where fishermen from Pudukkottai, Kottaipattinam, and Jagathapattinam set out to sea on July 9 in 176 boats. As they were returning home on Thursday after completing their fishing activities, their boats were intercepted near Neduntheevu by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly trespassing into Sri Lankan waters. Thirteen fishermen were arrested and taken to a camp in Kangesan.
The statement also noted that over the past 26 days, more than 26 fishermen from Tamil Nadu have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy, with 13 of their boats and fishing accessories seized.
“The central government should intervene and protect the livelihood of these fishermen. The fishermen who were arrested should be released and their licenses should be protected,” Mutharasan urged.
He further demanded that the government ensure the return of all seized boats to the fishermen. Mutharasan called on the central government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collaborate and work towards the release of the detained fishermen and the restoration of their equipment.
This appeal underscores the ongoing tensions between Tamil Nadu fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy, and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue and protect the livelihoods of those affected.