Send clear message to Lanka on arrests, Chief Minister urges Modi

He wanted the Prime Minister to intervene and seek a permanent solution to the recurring incidents. The fishermen who were from Mandapam fishing base were fishing in the traditional waters in 2 mechanized fishing boats when they were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. 

“Such continuing incidents of arrests of fishermen were a deliberate attempt by Sri Lanka to derail India’s efforts to find a permanent solution to the vexed issue. A sense of vulnerability and insecurity prevails in the villages of the five coastal districts of Palk Bay in the state. The state government reiterates the need to restore the traditional fishing rights of fishermen in Palk Bay by annulling the 1974 Indo-Sri Lankan agreement following which Katchatheevu was ceded to the island nation by India. A firm, clear, unequivocal and unambiguous message should be sent out by the Government of India to the Sri Lankan Government to ensure that its hostile attitude is reversed and the livelihood of the poor and innocent fishermen from Tamil Nadu fishing in their traditional waters is protected”, the communication read.