DMK working president M.K. Stalin on Thursday asked the External Affairs Minister to take diplomatic steps to get the Sri Lankan government withdraw the amendment introduced to stop Tamil Nadu fishermen from entering the Palk Bay.
In a statement, he said it was shocking to learn that an amendment had been passed in the Sri Lankan Parliament on Wednesday to impose a fine on Tamil Nadu fishermen fishing in the Palk Bay ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹7.24 crore.
The Sri Lankan government had backstabbed India by targeting the Tamil fishermen, he charged, condemning the BJP-led Centre for acting as if it has nothing to do with the issue.
The DMK had opposed the Bill at the introductory stage itself as it would destroy the livelihood of Tamil fishermen. The State government wrote a letter in July 2017 in this regard but the amendment has been passed unmindful of the opposition.
Mr. Stalin asked the Chief Minister to meet the Prime Minister in New Delhi and take immediate steps to provide 2,000 deep-sea fishing vessels without waiting for the end of three years’ time as mentioned in the government order. Till then, the State government should grant a solatium of ₹10,000 to the fishermen, he demanded.
