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Chennai, November 13 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President K. Selvaperunthagai has strongly criticized the BJP-led Center for its “persistent and unacceptable inaction” on the repeated arrests of fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy.
In a detailed statement, he accused the Center of ignoring repeated appeals by the state government and failing to initiate meaningful diplomatic engagement with Sri Lanka.
Selvaperunthagai said fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who venture into the sea for their livelihood, are facing harassment, arrest, seizure of boats and severe financial penalties under the provisions of the Sri Lankan Fisheries Act, 2018. He pointed out that this law allows courts in Sri Lanka to impose fines of up to Rs 1 crore per seized boat – an amount that puts the families of poor fishermen in deep financial trouble.
He highlighted that Chief Minister MK Stalin has sent several letters to the Union External Affairs Ministry requesting immediate intervention, but the Center has not taken any concrete action.
“Despite clear evidence of increasing arrests, the central government remains indifferent. No serious diplomatic efforts have been made to resolve the long-standing issue,” he said.
The TNCC chief also criticized the central government for failing to effectively activate the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries, which was set up in 2016 to meet twice a year and address such issues through structured dialogue.
“In nine years, the group has met only seven times, whereas it should have convened at least 18 meetings by now. This lack of participation reflects the central government’s reluctance to find a lasting solution,” he said.
According to Selvaperunthagai, the crisis has deepened in recent years. In 2024 alone, 128 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested and 248 boats were seized by Sri Lankan authorities. He said 14 more fishermen have been arrested recently from Mayiladuthurai area, further increasing the tension on the coast.
He stressed that the livelihood of more than 20 lakh fishermen in 422 coastal villages in 13 districts of Tamil Nadu has been seriously affected by the continuous arrests and seizures.
“This is not just a diplomatic issue – this is about the survival of millions of families who depend on fishing on a daily basis,” he said.
Selvaperunthagai urged the Ministry of External Affairs to immediately initiate talks involving representatives of both Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan fishermen to find a peaceful and lasting solution. He also said that Chief Minister MK Stalin should continue to put strong pressure on the Center to resolve this issue on priority basis and protect the rights and lives of fishermen of Tamil Nadu.
–IANS
AL/DPB