Constructive Measures Needed from TN Government to Resolve Fishermen's Issues: Governor R.N. Ravi
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Synopsis
Governor R.N. Ravi urges the Tamil Nadu government to collaborate with the central government in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the fishing community, emphasizing the need for a constructive approach to resolve issues stemming from the 1974 agreement affecting fishermen's rights.
Key Takeaways
- Governor R.N. Ravi visited Rameswaram to meet fishermen facing ongoing arrests.
- The 1974 agreement is viewed as detrimental to fishermen's rights.
- Fishermen's protests are causing significant economic loss.
- Collaboration between state and central governments is essential.
- Demands for immediate action include release of detained fishermen and recovery of boats.
Chennai, March 2 (NationPress) Governor R.N. Ravi urged the Tamil Nadu government to collaborate with the central government to address the long-standing challenges faced by the fishing community within the state.
The Governor visited Rameswaram, where he met with fishermen and their families who are currently protesting against the continuous detentions of fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
In a post on social media, R.N. Ravi expressed, “During my visit to Rameswaram today, I interacted with our distressed brothers and sisters from the fishing community. I sincerely empathize with them. They are victims of an unfair agreement made in 1974, which disregarded the livelihood concerns of our impoverished fishermen.” He further stated, “The previous administrations in Delhi and Chennai committed a grave injustice by stripping our fishermen of their traditional fishing rights in the waters surrounding Katchatheevu island. Ever since, our fishing community has endured relentless hardship.”
The Governor remarked, “Fishermen are being arrested and their boats seized by Sri Lankan authorities. This ongoing issue requires a lasting solution. The state and central governments must collaborate to resolve it. Rather than politicizing this matter and blaming the Central Government, a constructive approach from the State Government will significantly help alleviate the suffering of our affected people.”
Governor Ravi highlighted that the current ruling party in the state shares responsibility for the mistakes made in 1974 as an ally of the then Central Government.
Fishermen and their families in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu are continuing their indefinite hunger strike, which commenced on February 28, demanding urgent intervention from the central government to secure the release of Indian fishermen imprisoned in Sri Lanka and to retrieve their confiscated boats.
Approximately 300 fishermen and their family members have been demonstrating at Thangachimadam in Ramanathapuram, enduring heavy rainfall.
In Rameswaram, fishermen have been on an indefinite strike since February 23, protesting the frequent arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy. As the strike enters its seventh day, more than 700 boats remain docked along the Rameswaram coast, severely disrupting the fishing industry.
Addressing the demonstrators, P. Jesuraja, leader of the All Mechanised Boats Fishermen Association, reported that on February 23, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 32 fishermen from Ramanathapuram and confiscated five mechanised fishing boats, citing violations of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Fishermen's associations estimate that the ongoing strike is causing a daily revenue loss of around Rs 1 crore, impacting over 10,000 workers reliant on the fishing industry. A consultative meeting of mechanised boat fishermen’s associations took place on February 23 at the Rameswaram fishing harbor, where they unanimously resolved to suspend fishing activities until the detained fishermen are released.
Leaders in the fishing community indicated that since January 2025, a total of 119 Indian fishermen and 16 boats have been detained. Jesuraja also highlighted the financial burden on families of detained fishermen, who often have to pay substantial fines to secure their loved ones' release. Fearing further detentions and boat seizures, many fishermen are now reluctant to venture into the sea.
Fishermen’s associations throughout Tamil Nadu are planning large-scale demonstrations in response to the ongoing detentions.
Antony John, a leader of a fishermen’s association, announced that coastal districts will soon finalize a date for statewide protests. He urged the Union government to take immediate action to secure the release of all imprisoned fishermen, recover confiscated boats, and establish a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka to avert further arrests.
Additionally, fishermen’s associations have dispatched a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, advocating for prompt diplomatic efforts to safeguard the livelihoods of coastal communities and prevent arrests at sea.
