Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Release Tamil Fishermen From Srilankan Prison. on 27 July, 2017
Sixteenth Loksabha an> title: Need to release Tamil fishermen from Srilankan prison.
SHRI V. ELUMALAI (ARANI): The continuing apprehensions of our fishermen and the attempts of Sri Lankan Government to destroy the Indian fishing operations in the Palk bay waters is highly disturbing and deplorable. The recent legislation enacted in the Sri Lankan Parliament regarding impounding and levying huge penalties is creating a sense of fear and unrest among the fishermen community in Tamil Nadu.
The Sri Lankan Government plans to move a new Bill “The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Amendment) Bill”. Under the provisions of this draconian Bill, the fishermen could be imprisoned for two years and a huge fine up to 50,000 Lankan Rupees will be imposed. The latest amendment Bill is aimed at causing catastrophe to the livelihood of our fishermen.
I strongly reiterate that the stand taken by our revered leader, Puratchi Thalaivi Amma that the retrieval of Katchatheevu and the re-fixation of IMBL would alone bring a lasting solution to this vexatious issue.
I, therefore, once again urge the Government to intervene immediately to secure the release of 92 fishermen and 144 fishing boats from the Sri Lanka and to find diplomatic ways to restore Katchatheevu and to regain our traditional fishing rights in Palk Bay.
HON. SPEAKER:
Shri Bhairon Prasad Mishra, Shri P.R. Sundaram and Shri K. Ashok Kumar are permitted to associate with the issue raised by Shri V. Elumalai. PROF. SUGATA BOSE (JADAVPUR): Madam, I want to raise an important issue. HON. SPEAKER: Your subject has already been answered by the Minister yesterday.