Tamil Nadu   

Take up fishermen’s issue at SAARC meeting, says CPI

CHENNAI: The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Wednesday urged the Centre to raise the killing of Tamil fishermen, allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy, at the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) conference to be held in Sri Lanka between July 27 and August 3.

“The Indian government has not done anything adequate to stop the kidnappings and killings. India should arrive at some agreement with the Sri Lankan government in the interests of the fishermen. Otherwise, what is the point in having SAARC?,” CPI’s national secretary D. Raja asked.

The Communist leader told The Hindu that it was usual for fishermen to stray into the waters of another country and go to areas where prospects of fish yield were high. “There must be some understanding between the two countries. There have been occasions when Indian fishermen have strayed into Pakistani waters. But, the Pakistan Navy never resorted to firing. We are able to get the fishermen released through negotiations. But, Sri Lanka is adopting an inimical attitude towards India,” he alleged.

Mr. Raja said the time had come for India to reopen the agreement over Kachatheevu in the wake of continuous attacks on Tamil fishermen.

“It is strategically important for us. We cannot just contend with the provisions of the agreement that allow our fishermen to dry their nets and take rest in Kachatheevu. India must see that Tamil fishermen’s right to fish in that area is established,” he added.

Seeking a political settlement of the ethnic crisis, Mr. Raja said the CPI would organise demonstrations before the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission on July 30 against the killing of Tamil fishermen.

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