Stop Sri Lanka from destroying TN boats, Vaiko writes to PM

 “Sri Lankan government had passed orders to destroy 121 boats of Tamil Nadu fishermen seized from 2015-16. The boats are the livelihood of fishermen and if they are destroyed, the fishermen will not be able to continue their job,” said Vaiko, in the letter.

 Recently, Sri Lanka passed orders to destroy boats of Tamil Nadu fishermen that were long stationed in various harbours in the island nation. The boats were seized by Lankan government from fishermen crossing the borders.

 However, Vaiko said that in the last 50 years Sri Lankan Navy was involved in untold atrocities by killing more than 600 fishermen and had seized several boats that were found fishing in Indian waters. “Each boat costs around Rs 25 to 40 lakh and most fishermen are still paying the loan amount. They are dependent on the boats for repaying their loans,” said Vaiko, who also urged the Centre to either stop Sri Lankan government from destroying the boats or to get compensation for the destroyed boats.