Fishermen Delegation Engages with Indian Fishermen Imprisoned in Sri Lanka
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Synopsis
A five-member delegation from Tamil Nadu, led by V.P. Jesuraja, visited Sri Lanka to meet 50 imprisoned Indian fishermen. They expressed solidarity and discussed pressing issues with Sri Lankan fishermen leaders, aiming to resolve longstanding tensions over maritime boundaries and fishing rights.
Key Takeaways
- Delegation from Tamil Nadu visited jailed fishermen in Sri Lanka.
- They expressed moral support and solidarity with the imprisoned fishermen.
- Discussions focused on maritime challenges and fishing rights.
- Concerns included arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy and environmental issues.
- Both sides agreed on the need for bilateral talks to resolve conflicts.
Chennai, March 27 (NationPress) A five-member delegation of fishermen leaders from Tamil Nadu, led by V.P. Jesuraja, traveled to Sri Lanka and met with 50 Indian fishermen who are currently locked up in Vavuniya jail.
The visit was facilitated after the delegation made a formal appeal to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, seeking authorization to personally meet their imprisoned peers.
The Tamil Nadu delegation demonstrated solidarity with the detained fishermen, extending moral support on behalf of the fishing community back home. They also held a vital discussion with Sri Lankan fishermen leaders from the Northern Province on Thursday, representing a significant move towards addressing longstanding conflicts.
The dialogue, lasting over an hour, concentrated on the issues faced by fishermen from both sides of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
This marked the first meeting of its kind since 2016 when the late Union Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, helped facilitate a similar discussion.
According to sources, a major concern raised was the frequent arrest of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on allegations of poaching. In response, Sri Lankan fishermen leaders contended that the use of prohibited fishing nets by Tamil Nadu fishermen has led to the depletion of marine ecosystems and harmed natural resources.
The Sri Lankan representatives clarified that the implementation of naval surveillance along the IMBL was initiated only after local fishermen expressed concerns regarding Indian vessels entering their waters.
They argued that this ongoing intrusion undermines the livelihoods of local Sri Lankan fishermen.
Sri Lankan leaders urged Tamil Nadu fishermen to avoid crossing the IMBL and stressed the significance of adhering to maritime borders.
The topic of Katchatheevu, the disputed islet near the maritime boundary, was also discussed during the meeting. However, Tamil Nadu fishermen leaders clarified that they did not wish to engage in political debates regarding the retrieval of the islet by India. Instead, they highlighted their historical and traditional fishing rights in the area, claiming that fish are plentiful solely in that region.
“Our appeal is not political. We have been fishing in the Katchatheevu area for generations. We are merely seeking permission to sustain our livelihood,” one of the fishermen leaders asserted.
They also urged their Sri Lankan counterparts to avoid politicizing the issue.
Both parties concurred on the need for their respective governments to organize a bilateral meeting aimed at resolving the crisis and safeguarding the interests of the fishing communities in both nations.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to visit Sri Lanka soon, the Tamil Nadu fishermen leaders expressed hope that he would discuss the matter with the Sri Lankan President and government officials to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution.
The delegation expressed gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government for facilitating their trip to Sri Lanka and organizing the visit to the imprisoned fishermen.
Delegation leader V.P. Jesuraja characterized the dialogue as a “promising start” and expressed hope that the issue could be resolved in the near future.
The delegation plans to return to Tamil Nadu by March 31 or April 1. They are also optimistic about meeting Prime Minister Modi during his upcoming visit to Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu on April 6, where he will inaugurate the new Pamban rail bridge.
