The Madras High Court has directed the Central and State governments to consider a representation seeking to formulate welfare schemes to rehabilitate the families of the “Indian Tamil” fishermen, who are affected by the alleged attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy in the waters of the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka.
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition, moved by Fishermen Care, an organisation working for the rights of the community, represented by its president L.T.A. Peter Rayan, also wanted the governments to provide employment, housing and financial assistance to the victims.
Pointing out that meetings between the Indian and Sri Lankan governments to find a solution to the issue have failed, the petitioner sought the implementation of welfare schemes for the victims.
When the PIL came up for hearing before the First Bench of Acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh and M. Sundar, the Bench said: “The governments are directed to look into the grievance about the welfare schemes of fishermen if not already looked into,” and disposed of the plea.
According to the petitioner, as per reports from the Indian Coast Guard, as on December 5, 2013, 439 fishermen from Tamil Nadu have been attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy, of which 111 have been killed, and 16 of them are missing.
