Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to raise the issue of Indian fishermen’s rights with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his upcoming visit to India. In his letter, Stalin stressed the need to safeguard the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen, many of whom have been facing harassment, detention, and loss of livelihood due to frequent apprehensions by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Concerns Over Katchatheevu and Fishermen Harassment
Stalin’s letter highlighted the longstanding issue of Katchatheevu, a small island ceded to Sri Lanka under the 1974 Indo-Sri Lanka agreement. Fishermen from Tamil Nadu have traditionally fished in the waters surrounding the island, but over the years, their access has been increasingly restricted. The CM pointed out that Indian fishermen continue to face apprehension, fines, and the seizure of boats when they enter Sri Lankan waters, even when pursuing traditional fishing grounds.

Impact of Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Act
The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the nationalization of seized fishing boats under the Sri Lankan Fisheries Act of 2018. According to Stalin, this has led to significant financial losses for fishermen and their families, further endangering their livelihoods. He urged the Indian government to seek the return of these boats and to ensure that Tamil Nadu fishermen are not subjected to further harassment.

Request for Diplomatic Intervention
Stalin requested that Prime Minister Modi take up the issue directly with the Sri Lankan leadership during bilateral talks. He urged India to press for the release of 77 fishermen and 151 boats currently in Sri Lankan custody and to establish measures to prevent future conflicts. The Chief Minister emphasized that protecting the rights of fishermen is crucial not only for their economic well-being but also for maintaining good diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka.

Conclusion
With the upcoming visit of the Sri Lankan President to India, Tamil Nadu’s leadership is hoping for proactive diplomatic engagement to address these long-standing concerns. The communication underscores the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of its fishermen and resolving disputes amicably through dialogue.