By Ongoing Crisis for Tamil Nadu Fishermen: Deaths and Arrests by Sri Lankan Authorities
The fishing communities in Tamil Nadu are currently facing a significant crisis, marked by frequent arrests and tragic incidents at sea. The recent death of fisherman Malaisamy has intensified calls for urgent action from both state and central governments.
The Tamil Nadu government has expressed its condolences to the family of Malaisamy, a fisherman who recently lost his life. In a gesture of support, the government has provided a solatium of Rs 10 lakh to his bereaved family.
Arrests and Missing Fishermen
In addition to Malaisamy’s tragic death, two other fishermen were arrested earlier this week by Sri Lankan authorities. The Tamil Nadu fishing community is deeply concerned about these incidents, which are becoming alarmingly frequent. Sagayam, a leader within the community, has called for the immediate release of the detained fishermen and demanded compensation for the families of those who are missing.
Chief Minister’s Response
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has voiced his shock and grief over the death of Malaisamy. He has strongly criticized the central government for not taking adequate diplomatic steps to address the ongoing issue of fishermen’s arrests by Sri Lanka. According to Stalin, the continuous arrests and resulting fatalities could have been prevented if the Union government had engaged in effective embassy-level talks with Sri Lankan authorities.
“Continuous arrest of fishermen and such life loss is occurring as the Union government is not taking the necessary embassy-level talks even after the Tamil Nadu government wrote several letters,” Stalin stated, highlighting the state government’s repeated attempts to resolve the situation through diplomatic channels.
Diplomatic Efforts: There is a strong demand for the Union government to engage in persistent and effective diplomatic negotiations with Sri Lankan authorities to prevent future arrests and ensure the safety of Tamil Nadu fishermen.
India summoned the Sri Lankan envoy on Thursday to protest.The death of the fisherman reflects the latest escalation in the persistent problem of Indian fishermen, mostly from Tamil Nadu, who are periodically caught fishing in Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. The practice often results in mass arrests of Indian fishermen and seizure of their boats by the Sri Lankan Navy. It has also severely impacted the livelihoods of war-affected Tamil fishermen living in northern Sri Lanka, given that the Indian fishermen pursue the destructive bottom-trawler fishing method to maximise their catch.
