Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Trace And Rescue The Missing Fishermen From Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. on 14 December, 2015
Sixteenth Loksabha an> title: Need to trace and rescue the missing fishermen from Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu.
SHRI A. ANWHAR RAAJHAA (RAMANATHAPURAM): Madam Speaker, four fishermen from Ramanathapuram are missing in the sea near the border from 28th November, 2015. This is a tragic event which is part of the ongoing sufferings faced by the Indian fishermen for the past four decades and more.
Every time the Sri Lankan Navy has been harassing and attacking our fishermen. The poor fishermen from Tamil Nadu are losing their properties, their catches and even their lives on many occasions. The recent mysterious missing of four fishermen, namely Shri Muniyasamy, Shri Antony, Shri Sudalai Mani and Shri Zahir, has caused great concern. Shockingly, the body of Shri Zahir is reported to have been found nearby the Sri Lankan coast. Unfortunately, our Navy and Coast Guard have not taken up the search operations effectively to trace and rescue the missing fishermen.
I would like to remind the Centre the series of letters written by our respected leader, Dr. Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, to take concrete measures to put an end to the sufferings of Indian fishermen at the hands of the unfriendly Armed Forces and the authorities of Sri Lanka.
Only our State Government is extending financial assistance to get back the lives and the livelihood of our fishermen. Even now, 62 fishing boats from Rameswaram and nine boats from Karaikal along with 37 Tamil fishermen have been taken away by the Sri Lankan Navy.
At this juncture, I would request the Union Government to come forward to extend financial assistance for their rescue and rehabilitation. It must intensify regular search operations and bring relief to the families of these poor fishermen while finding a lasting solution by retrieving Katchatheevu.
Hence, I urge upon the Government to pay heed to the request of hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, and treat this as an urgent national issue.
Regarding this fishermen issue, I have already given notice under Rule 193. I also urge upon the Chair to have an exclusive discussion on the fishermen issue under Rule 193. Thank you.