Rameshwaram, Sept 16: Leaders of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] have strongly condemned the Sri Lankan government for its mistreatment of Tamil Nadu fishermen. The condemnation follows reports that five fishermen, arrested by the Sri Lankan navy, were tonsured and forced to clean prison toilets and drainage. The fishermen were apprehended on August 27 while fishing in the Bay of Bengal.In a statement, PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss expressed outrage over the incident, calling it an affront to India’s sovereignty. “Of the eight fishermen arrested, three were imprisoned while five were released after paying a penalty. However, Sri Lanka subjected these five fishermen to degrading treatment, citing that the penalty was not paid on September 6, but only on September 7,” Ramadoss explained. He criticized both the central and Tamil Nadu governments for remaining passive on the issue and urged immediate action based on international laws.
CPI(M) State Secretary K. Balakrishnan echoed Ramadoss’ sentiments, slamming the central government for its lack of intervention. In his statement, Balakrishnan criticized the government’s diplomatic inaction, claiming it has led to repeated assaults on Indian fishermen. “The central government has continuously avoided addressing the fishermen issue, allowing these attacks to persist,” he remarked.
To intensify pressure, Balakrishnan announced that a mass protest would be held in Rameshwaram on September 20, demanding immediate action from the central government. Fishermen from coastal districts including Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, and Nagapattinam are expected to participate in the protest. Balakrishnan emphasized that the protest would be a public show of solidarity with the fishing community and a message to the government to stop neglecting their plight.
The ongoing tensions between Tamil Nadu fishermen and the Sri Lankan navy have been a point of contention for years. Despite multiple agreements and promises of protection, Indian fishermen frequently face arrests and harassment while fishing in contested waters.
Both Ramadoss and Balakrishnan have called for immediate diplomatic talks to address the crisis and ensure the safety of fishermen operating in international waters.