Ahead of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s three-day visit to India, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his urgent appeal, CM Stalin pressed PM Modi to discuss the severe challenges confronting Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay with the Sri Lankan delegation, advocating for a swift and enduring diplomatic solution.
Chief Minister Stalin’s letter highlighted the relentless suffering endured by Tamil Nadu’s fishing communities. They routinely face harassment, attacks, and arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy, incidents that have inflicted profound distress and significant economic losses. Disturbingly, since 2021, 1,482 fishermen and 198 boats have been seized in 106 separate incidents.
Despite the Tamil Nadu government’s persistent efforts—including 11 direct appeals to the Prime Minister’s Office and 72 representations to the Minister for External Affairs—these alarming incidents continue without resolution. CM Stalin emphasized the urgent need for central government intervention.
Stalin’s letter laid out several critical points for discussion: the return of Katchatheevu island, the immediate release of detained fishermen and their vessels, strategies to prevent violence and piracy at sea, the devastating effects of Sri Lanka’s policy of nationalizing seized boats, and the urgent need to reactivate the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries.
Historically, Tamil Nadu fishermen have relied on the waters around Katchatheevu island, an area they consider part of their traditional fishing grounds. The island’s transfer to Sri Lanka by the Union government, without Tamil Nadu’s consent or proper procedure—a move continuously opposed by the State Assembly since 1974—has severely impacted their livelihoods. This diplomatic shift has led to restricted access and frequent accusations of trespassing and harassment.
Currently, 76 Tamil Nadu fishermen and 242 boats remain in Sri Lankan custody. The Chief Minister implored PM Modi to advocate strongly for their swift return and the release of their essential vessels, emphasizing the profound hardship these detentions cause to the families involved.
Adding to their woes, Indian fishermen often report instances of violence and theft of their equipment and catch, allegedly at the hands of Sri Lankan individuals. Such incidents foster deep-seated fear and insecurity within coastal communities. Stalin stressed that robust bilateral security cooperation and ongoing diplomatic discussions are crucial for tackling this complex problem.
Furthermore, CM Stalin highlighted a critical concern: the 2018 amendment to the Sri Lankan Fisheries Act, which allows for the nationalization of seized Indian fishing boats, making their recovery impossible. This policy has devastated the financial stability and livelihoods of countless fishermen. He urged that this damaging practice be addressed to protect these communities from permanent economic ruin.
Finally, the Chief Minister called for the revival of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries. This group, originally created to resolve bilateral fishing disputes, has met inconsistently in recent years. He argued that reactivating this vital mechanism would offer a structured and effective channel for both nations to address and resolve the ongoing concerns of their fishing communities.
