Just 5 attacks by SL Navy in a decade, says Jayakumar

“From 2011 till 2019, there were only five incidents against Indian fishermen crossing Sri Lankan borders in which two persons have died. But, in DMK rule, till 2010 there were 31 incidents against Tamil Nadu fishermen in which nine have died,” said Jayakumar, in the Assembly.

IUML MLA KAM Abu Backer raised the issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen frequently crossing into Sri Lankan territorial borders and landing in trouble during the debate in the Assembly in which he urged the government to prevent arrests of fishermen.

Jayakumar replied that in sea the territorial borders could not be monitored strictly and so fishermen land in trouble, but to prevent them from crossing over the government is encouraging fishermen to go for deep sea fishing.

The Centre and state governments together provide 70 per cent subsidy for tuna-long liners which will also end the practice of bottom trawling.

Jayakumar also said that in case of fishermen getting apprehended, the state government is supporting the families of those fishermen by providing daily allowance of Rs 250 per day and in the year 2019-20, the state has spent Rs 5.07 lakh for 51 apprehended fishermen families.

Jayakumar further said that government is providing an ex-gratia payment of Rs 3 lakh for the family of deceased fishermen and if the deceased fishermen is the sole breadwinner of the family the payment would be enhanced to Rs 5 lakh.