Chennai: Union shipping minister G.K. Vasan called for early release of all fishermen and boats of both nations in a safe and secure manner. Speaking to reporters after unveiling the statue of Babu Jagjivan Ram at Chennai port housing colÂony here on Monday, he said the Congress has been trying to create a conducive atmosphere for the release of the fishermen.
“We have to come to a consensus on fishermen rights and make sure such captures by the other country’s Navy doesn’t happen in future. I am hopeful that the January 20 talks between India and Sri Lanka, initiated by the external affairs ministries, would bring an amicable solution to fishermen problems,” he added.
Referring to the one-sided statement made by a Sri Lankan minister on ‘releasing Sri Lankan fishermen first before they could release Indian fishermen’, Vasan said it shouldn’t have been made. “One should concentrate on the welfare of fishermen and not make provocative statements,” he added.
Earlier, the shipping minister paid tributes to freedom fighter and social refoÂrmer Babu Jagjivan Ram. He also announced immediate distribution of revised salary with arrears with effect from January 1, 2012 to class 3 and 4 employees of Chennai port trust as Pongal gift.
The shipping minister alÂso seconded a request made by MP T.K.S. ElaÂngÂovan to keep Chennai port’s sports stadium at TonÂdÂiaÂrpet open for a longer period of time in the morning and evening for the local people to have their walk. “I hope Chennai port chairman will formally give an order in this regard,” he added.
