Opposition MPs protested in Parliament against Sri Lankan Navy’s arrests of Tamil fishermen, demanding intervention from the Indian government. Over 97 fishermen are detained, and 210 boats have been seized. The situation is exacerbated by aggressive actions from the Sri Lankan Navy, with over 550 arrests occurring in 2024 alone, indicating the need for urgent diplomatic action.
On Friday, Members of Parliament from the opposition, spearheaded by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), demonstrated in Parliament against the ongoing arrests of Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. They demanded immediate intervention from the Indian government, with DMK MP Kanimozhi highlighting that over 97 Indian fishermen are currently imprisoned in Sri Lanka, alongside the seizure of more than 210 fishing boats.
This protest included members from Congress, the Left, Trinamool Congress (TMC), and CPI(ML) Liberation, who collectively called for tangible solutions to this pressing issue. Demonstrators displayed placards bearing slogans such as “Justice For Tamil Fishermen” and “Tamil Nadu Fishermen Are Indians,” and they subsequently raised the matter in the Lok Sabha.
DMK MP Tiruchi Siva emphasized the national significance of this issue, stating, “They are Tamil fishermen, but above all, they are Indians. For years, they have been tortured, harassed, and even killed, yet the government has failed to take firm action.” He further expressed concern over the Sri Lankan Navy’s aggressive tactics against the fishermen, warning that such actions deter them from fishing, impacting their livelihoods.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore echoed calls for diplomatic engagement with Sri Lanka to prevent further arrests and seizures. Furthermore, DMK MP Kanimozhi noted that Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, MK Stalin, has consistently urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to address this issue comprehensively, stating, “The Sri Lankan Navy has been continuously arresting and harassing Tamil Nadu’s fishermen.”
The longstanding issue involving Tamil fishermen has strained relations between India and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Navy routinely accuses Indian fishermen of encroaching into its territorial waters in the Palk Strait, with over 550 Indian fishermen arrested in 2024 alone, underscoring the need for a diplomatic resolution. Recently, ten more fishermen were captured, with their boat also confiscated by Sri Lankan authorities.
The conflict regarding Tamil fishermen has significant historical roots, centered on accusations of Indian fishermen trespassing into Sri Lankan waters, particularly in the Palk Strait. This has led to recurring arrests and tensions between India and Sri Lanka. The situation has been exacerbated by the Sri Lankan Navy’s increased aggression, including physical assaults and weapon use against these fishermen, instigating calls for immediate government intervention.
In summary, the opposition’s protest in Parliament underscores a critical situation faced by Tamil fishermen due to the Sri Lankan Navy’s actions. With numerous arrests and boat seizures reported, the urgent demand from parliamentarians highlights the necessity for the Indian government to take decisive steps in addressing the welfare of these fishermen and restoring diplomatic relations.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
