NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Monday strongly accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of ignoring the state’s long-standing demands on the fishermen issue and the retrieval of the Katchatheevu islet.
Speaking in the Assembly, Stalin said there was no indication that Modi had raised either issue during his recent visit to Sri Lanka.
“This only shows that Tamil Nadu’s demand for retrieving Katchatheevu has been ignored. It does not appear that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who went to Sri Lanka, raised the fishermen’s release, too,” Stalin said, calling the situation “regrettable and disappointing.”
He added that although the Centre has let down the fishermen, the state government would continue its efforts for their welfare. He announced several initiatives, including a new fishing harbour at Thangachimadam in Rameswaram.
Last week, the Tamil Nadu assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to retrieve Katchatheevu—ceded to Sri Lanka through agreements in 1974 and 1976—as a permanent solution to safeguard the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen.
The resolution also called on the Prime Minister to negotiate with Sri Lanka for the release of imprisoned fishermen and their boats.
