Indian fishermen in desperate situation, says Edappadi Palaniswamy

Chennai: Contending that Indian fishermen have been placed in a desperate situation owing to Sri Lanka’s continued harassment, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswamy, called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to end their ordeal and also take steps to ensure the release of the arrested 32 Indian fishermen.

Palaniswamy said the incident took place when the Indian fishermen were fishing in their "traditional waters" near Palk Bay and that the "Sri Lankan Navy opened fire without any warning."

“This sharp escalation in harassment and apprehension of our fishermen, especially at a time when they are getting ready for the much awaited Katchatheevu festival, is causing considerable hardship and mental agony to the poor, innocent fishermen,” he said in a letter to Modi on Sunday.

A fisherman, who was about to be apprehended by the Lankan authorities, “attempted to swallow broken glass out of fear and mental stress, thereby endangering his life,” he pointed out.

The fishermen peacefully go about their activities in the waters which they have enjoyed the customary rights to fish for several centuries, he said.

“Tamil Nadu’s fishermen appear to have been left at the total mercy of the Sri Lankan Navy, which picks them up at random, incarcerates them for months together and fails to return their boats for years together, despite commitments made during talks,” the letter read.

Palaniswamy announced a sum of Rs five lakh to the family of the deceased from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund.

He also announced Rs 1 lakh to another fisherman, who was injured in the attack, and directed that the best medical treatment be offered to him.

The Chief Minister also called for the retrieval of the Katchatheevu islet, ceded by India to Sri Lanka in 1974.

Citing examples, including in South-East Asia, he said countries arrived at workable diplomatic arrangements under which, two sides continue to fish without any harassment and interference.

“There is no reason why a similar arrangement cannot be put in place between India and Sri Lanka,” Palaniswamy suggested. Noting that currently, there were 85 fishermen and 128 fishing boats in Lankan custody, he urged Modi to direct the External Affairs Ministry officials concerned to take concrete action through diplomatic channels to secure their release.