Stalin tells PM to retrieve Katchatheevu

Chennai: Chief Minister M K Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prevail upon Sri Lankan President Ranil Wikramasinghe, during the diplomatic talks that would mark his visit to India on Friday, to give back Katchatheevu and put an end to the attack on Indian fishermen by Lankan Navy by protecting their traditional fishing rights.

 In a letter to the Prime Minister on Thursday, Stalin also wanted India to address the genuine aspirations of the Tamil-speaking people in Sri Lanka by ensuring that their rights and freedom were protected.

‘Several long pending issues exist between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka  arising out of geographical proximity along with economic and cultural  links,’ he said, seeking his support in addressing the two broad issues that were of great concern to the people of Tamil Nadu.

Not only Tamil Nadu fishermen faced highly restricted access to traditional fishing  grounds, they were also increasing harassed by the Sri Lankan Navy, who arrest them on charges of trespassing, he said, adding: ‘Restoring the right to fish in the traditional fishing grounds of Palk Bay has always been among the  top priorities of the Government of Tamil Nadu.’

Noting that 619 fishermen had been apprehended and 83 boats seized in 48 incidents since 2020, Stalin appealed for ‘initiating strong and enhanced measures to prevent the harassment of our fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.’  

On addressing the aspiration of the Sri Lankan Tamils, Stalin wanted adequate and meaningful devolution of powers to the provinces as it was imperative to protect the social, political, cultural and  economic rights of the Tamils so that they could lead dignified  lives as equal citizens of Sri Lanka.   

Pointing out that the Government of Sri Lanka amended its Fisheries Act in 2018, enabling the Sri Lanka to nationalise foreign fishing boats, which had led to the arrested Tamil Nadu losing their fishing boats, on which they had  invested their life savings, he wanted Modi to take up the issue with Wikramasinghe.

 ‘I am sure that your support and intervention in these matters will  bring about a positive change in the lives of our fishermen and their  families and also help address the genuine aspirations of the Tamils in Sri  Lanka,’ Stalin told the Prime Minister.