Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Monday requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to arrange for the immediate release of 23 fishermen from Rameswaram, apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday, and take up with the Sri Lankan government the need to advise its Navy to refrain from arresting fishermen.
In a letter to Dr. Singh, the Chief Minister brought to his notice the latest incident which, she stated, was the second one in 15 days.
The fishermen are at present at Thalaimannar in Sri Lanka, having been remanded for two weeks.
They were fishing off Katchatheevu, in their traditional fishing waters, when they were arrested.
Bid to instill fear
“The incidents of apprehension and harassment by the Sri Lankan Navy have become a regular occurrence in the past two months, especially after the end of the fishing ban period. The intention of the Sri Lankan Navy to instill fear in the minds of the fishermen and prevent them from fishing in their traditional waters is very obvious from the incident of apprehension.
“The actions of the Sri Lankan Navy have created a feeling of insecurity in the minds of the fishermen, who feel that there is no guarantee for their life and property in the sea, in the prevailing situation,” wrote Ms. Jayalalithaa.
She said that the Sri Lankan Navy would suspend apprehension and harassment only when diplomatic-level meetings were convened on the fishing issue but would resume such activities immediately thereafter, much to the woes of the fishermen.
“Unless the Government of India intervenes in this issue, there is every possibility of recurrence of such incidents in the coming months,” she added.
Keywords: TN fishermen's arrest
I think for betterment of every region & citizen, India should split as
per region by region.No where in world in history or present we have
seen multi-region,multi-caste, multi-religion,multi-language so much
diversified as India has flourished and grown.
the fishermen from India cross the border and fish in Sri Lankan waters.
that's why they are arrested. Even Karunanidhi one commented that
greediness results in landing in Sri Lanka Jail. Sri Lanka can not come
and arrest Indian fishermen on Indian waters. Jayalalithaa is making it
a vote bank politics. India should rein in on sri Lanka, bit not for
fishermen's arrest.
Tamil Nadu fishermen are repeatedly poaching in Lankan waters. When they trespass
they should be arrested. That`s the natural course of action anywhere in the world.
As a Sri Lankan I would request the TN Chief Minister to promote good neighborly
relations and stop all tirades against Sri Lanka.
We agree with the Tamil Nadu CM. Sri Lanka must release them
immediately. This is the consequence of keeping overly quiet. Sri Lanka
is increasingly seeking help from Pakistan and even China. If INDIA does
not intervene now, it will be too late .
What is this traditional water? Why can't Jayalalitha tell them to stay
in INDIAN water.
Dear Jayalalitha,
As a veteran politician you must know very well the difference between what you call "Traditianal Waters" and the legal boundaries of sea that belongs to Sri Lanka. While knowing very well who is doing and also demanding fishing in Sri Lankan waters without the concent/approval of Sri Lanka or/and Sri Lankan fisherman.
Ms.Jayalalitha,
Learn to respect international maritime boundries!
Teach your fishermen "right from wrong"!
Be responsible!
Live and let live!
Please Email the Editor