As the government on Wednesday briefed Parliament on the “successful” visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to three Indian Ocean nations, opposition members expressed concern over the comments by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe on their navy’s right to shoot any “intruder”.
Giving details of Mr. Modi’s visit in the Lok Sabha, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the fishermen issue came up for discussion between the two leaders along with the implementation of 13th amendment. Soon after Ms. Swaraj spoke, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker and AIADMK leader M Thambidurai expressed concern at the comments made by Sri Lankan Prime Minister on the fishermen issue.
“After the visit of our Prime Minister, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister asked for action against Indian fishermen, Tamil Nadu fishermen… He has given shooting orders if our fishermen go there… This is the relationship we are having with Sri Lanka…,” he said, as other opposition members stood in support.
Mr. Wickramasinghe made a similar statement before Mr. Modi’s visit. He also said Sri Lanka had the right to shoot fishermen entering its territorial waters.
He pressed for a discussion on the issue in the House under Rule 193 [discussion without voting] to which Ms. Swaraj agreed. Similar concerns were expressed in the Rajya Sabha as well. MP Rajiv Shukla said Mr. Wickramasinghe had again made a provocative statement despite assurances by the External Affairs Minister and the Prime Minister's visit to the country.
Ms. Swaraj also informed the House of Mr. Modi’s assurance to Sri Lanka that “India stands with Sri Lanka in its efforts to build a future that accommodates the aspirations of all sections of society, including the Tamil community…”
(With inputs from Smriti Kak Ramachandran )
AIADMK leader
M Thambidurai raised the issue and Opposition parties supported him
