Karuna seeks release of all TN fishermen and boats

As on September 20 this year, about 112 fishermen have been languishing in various jails in Lanka without bail or trail, says the DMK chief

 

 

DMK today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take "resolute" steps to stop atrocities on Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy and retrieve confiscated fishing trawlers.

DMK President M Karunanidhi in a memorandum to Singh, submitted by his daughter Kanimozhi, party's Rajya Sabha MP, pointed out to the increase in arrest of fishermen and detaining of their boats especially after the war against the LTTE got over in Sri Lanka in 2009.

As on September 20 this year, about 112 fishermen from Nagapattinam, Kariakal, Rameswaram, Pamban and Mandapam in the state have been languishing in various jails in Lanka without bail or trail, he said, seeking the Centre's immediate intervention for a lasting solution to the fishermen problem.

"We appeal to you to take all serious and resolute steps through diplomatic channels immediately to stop these atrocities, save the lives of fishermen and safeguard their livelihood, besides retrieving confiscated and detained boats", he said.

The people of Tamil Nadu expect that during the visit to Colombo by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, the government should impress on the Lankan government in "unequivocal" terms that the "violent" action by the neighbouring country Navy does amount to challenging India's sovereignty.