TVK stages protest in Nagapattinam against arrest of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy

Members of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Friday staged a protest fast in Nagapattinam condemning the recent arrest of 35 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, allegedly for crossing the maritime boundary. The detained fishermen, along with their boats and fishing gear, remain in Sri Lanka’s custody.

Avurith Thidal close to the new bus stand in Nagapattinam was the venue of the protest. The protesters urged the Union and State governments to secure the release of fishermen and their boats. TVK district secretary Sukumaran and propaganda secretary A. Rajmohan led the protest.

Mr. Rajmohan told reporters that despite repeated letters from the Chief Minister, Sri Lankan Navy continued to round up Indian fishermen. He urged both the Union and State governments to adopt technological and diplomatic measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of fishermen operating near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

He demanded immediate release of the arrested fishermen and their boats. He said the TVK would continue its agitation until a concrete solution was found to the vexed problem.

“It is distressing that when fishermen from other States are detained, they are referred to as Indian fishermen but when fishermen from our State are arrested, they are identified only as Tamil Nadu fishermen. This double standard must end,” he said.

Mr. Rajmohan urged the State government to treat the issue as priority and pursue legal remedies to secure the fishermen’s release.