TN BJP Chief K Annamalai & Fishermen Meet EAM Jaishankar, Seek Resolution To Run-Ins With Sri Lanka
Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also proposed a meeting of the fishermen's association and a joint working group to address the issues comprehensively.
Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai and a delegation of Tamil fishermen on Monday to address the ongoing crisis affecting their community in the high seas bordering Sri Lanka.
Met with a delegation of Tamil fishermen leaders yesterday along with @BJP4TamilNadu President @annamalai_k.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 6, 2024
They conveyed their various grievances and concerns. Government of India attaches utmost priority to the livelihood, welfare and security of Indian fishermen. Assured… pic.twitter.com/FdkdsGcdi4
After meeting Tamil Nadu fishermen, EAM Dr S Jaishankar said, "There has been an increase in the number of detentions of our fishermen and one unfortunate incident where one of our fishermen lost his life. Annamalai ji has got all the key associations here. They were explaining their problems. Some of it pertains to the Foreign Ministry and some of it to the Fisheries Ministry."
"The Secretary of Fisheries Ministry was also present at the meeting. We have said we will look at this. At the end of the day, it should not be a political problem, it is a matter of their livelihood, safety, security and occupation. We should find some reasonable way," he said.
He assured that the government and the High Commission are actively working on the issue, mentioning the recent release of 20 fishermen. Jaishankar also proposed a meeting of the fishermen's association and a joint working group to address the issues comprehensively.
On the meeting, Tamil Nadu BJP state president K Annamalai said, "We came to thank EAM for always standing by Tamil fishermen over the last many years, especially in the very recent unfortunate incident where one Tamil fisherman was killed and EAM directed the High Commissioner to attend to it on priority. Within 24 hours, the body was repatriated back to Tamil Nadu. Even the two fishermen who got arrested were also sent back to Tamil Nadu."
He claimed that after PM Modi took power in 2014 there were no firings in the high sea. Annamalai further mentioned their request for the early release of 49 Tamil fishermen currently detained. He appreciated Jaishankar's positive response and assurance of personal involvement in the matter. Annamalai also noted that concerns including subsidies, fiberglass boats, and setting up of packaged water units were discussed.
"EAM has also promised that very soon the 2+2 joint working group between India and Sri Lankan governments will start very very soon including the meeting of India-Sri Lankan Fishermen Association," she said.
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