Stalin condemns Lankan Navy's firing on TN fishermen; calls on Centre to find solution

Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday, August 4, strongly condemned Sri Lankan Navy's recent firing on Tamil Nu fishermen in Kodiyakarai and requested External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to find a quick solution to problem. In a letter to External Affairs Minister, Chief Minister requested that EAM Jaishankar put pressure on Sri Lankan government to refrain from using violence against Indian fishermen and from breaking ir fishing nets.

TN CM writes to Foreign Minister

In a letter to EAM Jaishankar, he wrote, "On August 1, Sri Lankan navy opened fire on Tamil Nu fishermen fishing in a boat registered off coast of Kodiakkara. In which Mr Kalaichelvan, a fisherman, was injured in he and is receiving treatment at Nagapattinam Government Hospital. Nine more fishermen have survived attack."

He ded, "Violence against our fishermen without following international laws and procedures is reprehensible. This needs to be dressed immediately. incident has caused great unrest in Tamil Nu, especially in coastal areas. It is our duty to protect lives and property of our fishermen and to ensure that Sri Lankan Navy complies with international law."

Stanlin urges Sri Lankan government

Stalin requested Sri Lankan government to immediately stop damaging Indian nets and boats and refrain from using violence against Indian fishermen. He wrote in letter, "I, refore, urge Government of Sri Lanka to immediately stop damaging Indian nets and boats and not resort to any form of violence against Indian fishermen."

He also vocated for a long-term political solution to crisis, which affects tens of thousands of Indian fishermen's lives and livelihoods. Tamil Nu Chief Minister noted, "I also call for a lasting political solution to this problem that is affecting lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of Indian fishermen."

Sri Lankan Navy attacks fisherman

A fisherman from Nagapattinam was injured in he when Sri Lankan Navy allegedly opened fire when he and ors were fishing off coast of Kodiakarai. According to Nagapattinam fisheries department authorities, on July 28, 10 fishermen from Akkaraipettai and Keechankuppamhamlets set sail from Nagapattinam port in a mechanised boat.

Picture Credit: PTI/ANI