DMK MP Kanimozhi, along with hundreds of fishermen families and welfare association leaders, led a demonstration in the coastal district of Ramanathapuram, strongly criticizing the BJP-led Central government for its inaction regarding the repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Kanimozhi stated that the BJP government’s negligence over the past decade had resulted in the arrest of over 3,500 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and the impounding of hundreds of their vessels by the Sri Lankan authorities. This, she said, had severely impacted the livelihood of thousands, pushing them into financial distress and disrupting their families.
She further accused the Union government of failing to act despite repeated pleas from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a permanent resolution. She alleged that BJP leaders in New Delhi had remained unresponsive, and whenever DMK MPs raised the issue in Parliament, the responses from Union Ministers were indifferent and unhelpful.
Call for Bilateral Talks with Sri Lankan Fishermen
The protesting fishermen have long demanded high-level talks with their counterparts in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province to find a sustainable solution. Questioning the Centre’s reluctance, Ms. Kanimozhi remarked, “What prevents the Prime Minister or the External Affairs Minister from resolving this issue remains incomprehensible.”
She cited international examples where disputes between fishermen were settled through diplomatic negotiations. “Norway and Russia, Australia and Indonesia, and even the USA and Canada have resolved similar issues. If they could find solutions, why can’t the Indian government do the same?” she questioned.
DMK’s Firm Stand on Fishermen’s Rights
Reaffirming the DMK’s commitment to the fishermen’s cause, Ms. Kanimozhi declared that the party would continue to raise the issue both inside and outside Parliament until a resolution was achieved. “There are problems everywhere, but responsible governments find solutions. The DMK will stand like a rock with our fishermen in their struggles,” she asserted.
She also criticized the AIADMK and BJP MPs for their lack of concern regarding the fishermen’s plight. She pointed out that while MPs from Kerala and West Bengal had joined a recent protest in Parliament, AIADMK MPs had stayed away. Urging fishermen to be wary of AIADMK’s “double standards,” she emphasized the party’s failure to support their cause.
Tamil Nadu Government’s Support for Fishermen
Ms. Kanimozhi recalled that when fishermen had organized a conference last year, the Tamil Nadu government, under Chief Minister Stalin, had honored its promises by implementing welfare programs worth ₹1,000 crore.
Allegations of Media Suppression
Taking a sharp dig at the BJP-led government, Ms. Kanimozhi accused the Centre of suppressing independent media voices. She claimed that only media houses that aligned with the BJP’s stance were allowed to operate freely, while others faced restrictions. “This is unhealthy for a democratic country and extremely dangerous,” she warned while addressing the media.
The protest was attended by several prominent leaders, including former ministers Satyamurthi and Sundarraj, MLAs Kadarbatcha alias Muthuramalingam and Murugesan, and fishermen leaders Jesuraja, Rayappan, and Joseph Stalin, among others.
