TN fishermen condemn Lankan minister's statement
RAMESWARAM: Fishermen's associations here today condemned the reported statement of Sri Lankan Minister Douglas Devananda that he would mobilise Lankan Tamil fishermen and stage a demonstration on IMBL in Palk Straits as their Indian counterparts were damaging fishing equipment.
The Minister had also reportedly stated that Indian fishermen were damaging boats of Sri Lankan fishermen and using banned fishing nets, harming Marine flora and fauna.
Tamil Nadu Mechanised Fishing Boats Owners’ Association secretary N J Bose said the minister could have informed foreign ministry offiicals about the 'violations' and demanded the central and state government officials to take action against the erring fishermen.
He alleged that the minister's reported statement in the Sri Lankan deliberate attempt to paralyse fishing operations of Tamil Nadu fishermen, when they would put out to sea after 45 day fishing holiday next month.
Rameswaram Fishermen's association president Devadoss pointed out that even Sri Lankan fishermen had not made a statement against Indian Fishermen and alleged the minister was playing a double role on the issue.
Tamil Nadu Mechanised Fishing Boats Owners’ Association secretary N J Bose said the minister could have informed foreign ministry offiicals about the 'violations' and demanded the central and state government officials to take action against the erring fishermen.
He alleged that the minister's reported statement in the Sri Lankan deliberate attempt to paralyse fishing operations of Tamil Nadu fishermen, when they would put out to sea after 45 day fishing holiday next month.
Rameswaram Fishermen's association president Devadoss pointed out that even Sri Lankan fishermen had not made a statement against Indian Fishermen and alleged the minister was playing a double role on the issue.
