Dinasena Rathugamage –
The Jaffna United Fishermen’s Association has made a special request to the new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Vijay, urging him to stop Tamil Nadu fishermen from entering Sri Lanka’s northern sea zone and engaging in the large-scale exploitation of fish resources belonging to Sri Lankan fishermen in the North.
The association officially appealed on May 19 for immediate measures to completely halt the aggressive intrusion of Tamil Nadu fishermen into Sri Lanka’s maritime boundaries.
The Jaffna United Fishermen’s Association recently held a special meeting in Jaffna under the patronage of its President, Anthony Pillai Mariadas, and decided to send an official letter to the new Chief Minister regarding the ongoing crisis. The association noted that all the points and proposals included in the letter have the full support and agreement of the entire fishing community in the Jaffna district.
The fishermen have also requested the new Chief Minister to provide a suitable date and time for representatives of the Northern Fisheries Union to hold direct discussions with him.
At present, fishing activities around Tamil Nadu are restricted due to the spawning season in the Indian Ocean region. However, the association warned that once the ban is lifted, thousands of Tamil Nadu fishermen are expected to return to Sri Lanka’s northern waters, resulting in the destruction of marine resources and local fishermen’s fishing equipment. Therefore, the Jaffna United Fishermen’s Association strongly urged the Chief Minister to take firm action to prevent such illegal fishing activities before the ban is lifted.
In addition, the fishermen pointed out that northern fishing communities have suffered severe losses of livelihoods and property for many years due to Tamil Nadu trawlers. They requested both the Indian Central Government and the Tamil Nadu State Government to intervene and provide fair compensation to the affected Sri Lankan fishermen.
The association further urged Vijay not to make political statements, claiming that Sri Lankan maritime areas, including the historic Katchatheevu, belong to India.
The letter also expressed concern that Vijay has been actively using Tamil nationalist politics and attempting to intervene in issues concerning Sri Lankan Tamils in the North and East by portraying South Indian Tamils and Sri Lankan Tamils as blood relatives. The fishermen alleged that he is also promoting a political campaign aimed at reclaiming Katchatheevu Island.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu fishermen continue to advocate the forceful entry into Sri Lankan waters in the North, creating serious difficulties for the Tamil fishing community in Sri Lanka.
Northern fishermen have questioned what they describe as the contradictory and irresponsible stance taken by Vijay on the issue.
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