Jayalalitha flays govt for fishermen’s plight

(June 04, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa condemned the shooting down of Tamil fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy, killing one of them in the mid-sea.

The deceased was identified as M Sandya. She recalled that in March 2008, a fisherman Christy was killed in the indiscriminate firing by Lankan Navy. Recently, 45 Tamil fishermen were arrested and they continued to suffer in the hands of Lankan forces, she said.

With regard to latest shoot-out, Jayalalithaa said the fishermen had entered the sea only two days before the mandatory ban on fishing for 45 days came into force.

Because of dredging activity in Palk Straits, the fish catch in the sea bed have reduced considerably. The fishermen were able to catch 20,000 kgs of prawns earlier, but now the catch had gone down, she said.

Nearly 106 fishermen from Kasimedu who had gone out in 17 boats a few days ago were being held captives by a fishermen gang in Nellore, she noted. Citing reports, she said they were demanded ransom of Rs 30,000 per each fisherman.

Jayalalithaa said these incidents affecting fishermen were taking place due to the negligence of the DMK government. She also demanded solatium of Rs one lakh for the deceased fisherman must be raised to Rs five lakh.
- Sri Lanka Guardian