Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Urges PM Modi to Address Fishermen's Rights During Sri Lankan Prime Minister's Visit

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a formal letter, requesting him to discuss critical fishermen's issues with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya during her upcoming three-day visit to India scheduled from October 16 to 18.

In his correspondence, Stalin emphasized the need for Modi's intervention regarding several pressing matters: the retrieval of Katchatheevu Island, the liberation of 76 Indian fishermen and 242 fishing vessels currently detained by Sri Lankan authorities, and addressing the ongoing incidents of violence and theft experienced at sea.

Stalin described the Sri Lankan PM's visit as a valuable opportunity to resolve "persistent challenges faced by Indian fishermen in the traditional fishing waters of the Palk Bay." He highlighted that Tamil Nadu's fishing communities have continuously experienced "harassment, attacks, and apprehensions" by the Sri Lankan navy since 2021. The Chief Minister reported that 1,482 fishermen and 198 fishing boats have been apprehended across 106 different incidents, resulting in significant "distress and economic loss."

Regarding Katchatheevu Island, Stalin reiterated that this territory, formerly part of India, was transferred to Sri Lanka "without the consent of the Tamil Nadu government," noting that the state Assembly has consistently opposed this action since 1974. He urged the Central government to utilize this diplomatic opportunity to initiate discussions with the visiting Lankan Prime Minister about reclaiming the island and restoring the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu's fishermen.

The Chief Minister also expressed concern regarding the 2018 amendment to Sri Lanka's Fisheries Act, which permits the nationalization of seized Indian fishing vessels, making their recovery impossible and causing severe financial hardship for affected families.

Stalin advocated for revitalizing the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries, which has not convened regularly in recent years, to establish a structured platform for addressing bilateral fishing disputes.

Emphasizing the "human and economic toll" of continued arrests and attacks, Stalin appealed to PM Modi to ensure "sustained diplomatic efforts" toward finding a lasting solution to these issues.

With upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu, the Chief Minister mentioned having sent 11 letters to the Prime Minister and 72 to the External Affairs Minister regarding these matters, underscoring the state's persistent efforts to secure central government intervention.

Historically, the BJP-led central government has blamed Congress, a DMK ally, for ceding the small island to Sri Lanka. The BJP has claimed that since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, not a single Indian has been shot dead by the Lankan navy.

Over recent decades, hundreds of Indian fishermen have reportedly died from Lankan gunfire while allegedly crossing into Lankan waters. Public opinion remains divided on the retrieval of Katchatheevu. While many support reclaiming the island, others contend that fish stocks exist in Indian waters as well, suggesting that regaining Katchatheevu may not address the core issue. Some advocate instead for a long-term lease agreement with the Sri Lankan government that would enable Indian fishermen to legally fish in Lankan waters.