Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam leader Vijayakant and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko on Sunday condemned the Coast Guard's suggestion that the area up to five nautical miles from Indo-Sri Lankan International Maritime Boundary Line could be proclaimed a “no fishing zone” and fishermen violating the ban should be made to face punitive measures.
In a statement here, Mr. Vijayakant said the Coast Guard's stand was “irresponsible, mischievous and one that will cause great harm.”
Mr. Vijayakant said if the Central government was really interested in protecting the interests of the Tamil fishermen, who were also the citizens of the country, it should withdraw the affidavit in the High Court.
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“India should hold talks with Sri Lanka to facilitate fishing by fishermen on both sides. India should stop acting like an agent of Sri Lanka and secure the livelihood of Tamil fishermen,” he added.
Mr. Vaiko said the Coast Guard had merely toed the line of the Union government, which had extended all support to the Sri Lankan government in the war against the Tamils, and remained a mute spectator when Tamil fishermen were targeted by the Sri Lankan Navy. “The stand of the Coast Guard is only the continuation of its support to the Sri Lankan government,” he said.