Opposition MPs led by DMK protested in Parliament against the Sri Lankan Navy’s repeated arrests of Tamil fishermen, demanding prompt action from the Indian government. With over 97 fishermen jailed and 210 boats seized, they argue for a lasting diplomatic solution to this ongoing issue affecting India-Sri Lanka relations.
Opposition Members of Parliament, predominantly from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), staged a protest in Parliament to express their concerns regarding the repeated arrests of Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. They called for immediate action from the Indian government, emphasizing that over 97 Indian fishermen are currently imprisoned in Sri Lankan jails, along with 210 boats that have been seized by local authorities.
During the protest, MPs held placards bearing messages such as “Justice For Tamil Fishermen” and “Tamil Nadu Fishermen Are Indians.” The coalition of opposition parties, including Congress, Left, TMC, and CPI(ML) Liberation, urged the Union government to take concrete measures to address the issue and prevent further injustices against the fisherfolk.
DMK MP Tiruchi Siva highlighted that the plight of Tamil fishermen transcends regional concerns, asserting their identity as Indians. He noted the increased aggression from the Sri Lankan Navy, stating that these fishermen have faced torture and harassment, with their livelihoods being directly jeopardized by fear of venturing out to sea.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore called on the Indian government to initiate diplomatic discussions with Sri Lanka to halt the ongoing seizures of boats and arrests. Furthermore, DMK MP Kanimozhi mentioned that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has consistently appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a lasting resolution to this ongoing crisis.
The longstanding issue of Tamil fisherfolk has significantly strained relations between India and Sri Lanka, with the latter accusing Indian fishermen of infringing upon territorial waters in the Palk Strait. In 2024 alone, over 550 Indian fishermen have been detained, emphasizing the critical need for a diplomatic solution to this escalating conflict. Recently, 10 additional Indian fishermen were taken into custody by the Sri Lankan Navy along with their boat.
The issue of Tamil fishermen being arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy has long been a contentious topic affecting Indo-Sri Lankan relations. The Sri Lankan authorities accuse Indian fishermen of fishing in their territorial waters, leading to repeated detentions, seizures of boats, and rising tensions between the two nations. The situation has resulted in significant distress for the Tamil fisherfolk community, prompting calls for intervention and diplomatic negotiations to resolve this ongoing crisis.
In summary, the protest by opposition MPs in Parliament highlights the urgent need for intervention by the Indian government to protect Tamil fishermen from the escalating hostilities of the Sri Lankan Navy. With numerous fishermen imprisoned and boats confiscated, the issue necessitates immediate attention to ensure justice and preserve the livelihoods of these individuals. The ongoing strain in India-Sri Lanka relations reinforces the importance of finding a diplomatic resolution to prevent further injustices and conflicts.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
