Stalin wants Centre to exert pressure on SL to scrap new fisheries law

In another demand, the Opposition Leader asked the state government to take immediate steps to secure the release of Thoothukudi fishermen, who were arrested by the Lankan Navy recently.

Sri Lanka’s parliament had recently passed a bill to impose fine on Indian fishermen, who cross the maritime border and trespass into its waters. The bill allowed Sri Lankan authorities to impose a maximum fine of upto 50 million Sri Lankan Rupees on any Indian fishermen, who stray into the island nation’s territory.

Stalin said it was shocking to note that a Sri Lanka court sentenced a group of Thoothukudi fishermen, who were arrested on August 18, to three-month jail term and had slapped a fine of Rs 60 lakh on them. “Though, Sri Lanka always claims India as a close ally, it continues to indulge in damaging the livelihood of Indian fishermen,” Stalin said and added that the neighbouring nation’s navy was also attacking Indian fishermen in mid sea often.

Opposing the Sri Lanka’s new law, Stalin said even the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre continued to be a mute spectator to the issue. “The Centre should immediately put pressure on the Sri Lankan government to scrap the new law.” He also wanted the Centre to take up the issue with Sri Lankan embassy officials and convey them that the new law would severely affect the life and livelihood of Indian fishermen.

“Even Tamil Nadu government should press the Centre to take steps to resolve the Indian fishermen issue with immediate effect,” Stalin said adding, “AIADMK government should also take immediate steps to secure the release of Thoothukudi fishermen jailed in Sri Lanka.”