Rescue Tamil Nadu fishers from Saudi Arab: CM

Chennai: Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, seeking his intervention to relieve 22 TN fishermen working in Saudi Arabia under harsh working conditions. The chief minister mentioned in his letter that the fishermen who had gone to work for a fishing company through an agent last year, were now being physically abused and tortured.

 

Twelve fishermen from Nagapattinam district, one from Cuddalore district and 3 from Villupuram district have been working in a company is based in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The remaining six are from Karaikkal district of Puducherry.

 

“Despite their plea to be repatriated to India as they are unable to bear the hardship, their employer is refusing to pay heed. These fishermen have not even been paid their wages as per the contractual terms,” said Panneerselvam in his letter.

 

“The family members of these poor fishermen have requested the Government of Tamil Nadu to intervene and ensure their safe return to India. I request you (the prime minister) to kindly intervene in the matter and direct the Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia to take immediate steps to contact the 22 fishermen and ascertain their well being,” he added.

 

The CM has also requested the Prime Minister to direct the embassy to contact the authorities in Saudi Arabia to ensure that the dues to these poor fishermen are settled immediately by the company in which they were employed.