Fisherfolks in Rameswaram thank Stalin for enhanced compensation for seized boat
Similarly, the daily relief assistance provided to the families of fishermen imprisoned in Sri Lankan jail has been increased from Rs 350 to Rs 500 per day
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CHENNAI: Fisherfolks in parts of Rameswaram and Thangachimadam have expressed gratitude to Chief Minister MK Stalin for having increased compensation of Rs 8 lakh from Rs 6 lakh for a seized mechanised boat, which was taken into the Sri Lankan custody.
“The Chief Minister also made further announcements to benefit the coastal community,” sources said.
Thanking the Chief Minister, S Emarit, deputy secretary of All Mechanised Boats Fishermen Association, Rameswaram, who takes part in the indefinite strike being organised at Thangachimadam, on Tuesday said the enhanced compensation has provided some relief for the agitating fisherfolks, who have been seeking the intervention of government authorities from India to hold bilateral talks with the Sri Lankan counterpart for the early release of jailed Tamil Nadu fishermen and also their boats.
Moreover, he said the aggrieved families of jailed TN fishermen feel some sort of relief after the state government had announced an increase in daily allowance of Rs 500 from Rs 350.
Further, he said the representatives of the fishermen's association were looking forward to their day to meet the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with the aid of a Parliamentary committee to find a lasting solution to the recurring problem of Tamil Nadu fishermen being arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
“More importantly, the Chief Minister’s announcement calling to reach a fresh agreement with Sri Lanka to allow fishing on the traditional fishing grounds at Katchatheevu as a means to end this long-standing problem has brought a new spirit and enthusiasm to the fishermen. Now, the entire coastal community is eagerly waiting for the much-expected development to take place at Katchatheevu after a long period,” he said.