Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Writes To PM Modi Seeking Intervention In Sri Lanka's Move To Auction Seized Boats

The other political party leaders including PMK's Ramadoss, DMDK chief Vijayakant and several fishermen organisation in the state have also condemned the move of the island nation.

Chennai: A day after the Sri Lankan government advertised in the nation's newspaper calling bidders to participate in the auction of 105 fishing boats seized from Tamil Nadu fishermen, TN CM Stalin wrote to PM Modi seeking his intervention to stop the process. The other political party leaders including PMK's Ramadoss, DMDK chief Vijayakant and several fishermen organisation in the state have also condemned the move of the island nation. 

In a letter to PM Modi, CM Stalin said, “I strongly urge the GoI to register its disapproval in strongest possible terms at the appropriate level and to prevail upon the Sri Lankan Government to recall the advertisement published for auctioning the Tamil Nadu fishing boats on which they do not have any legal rights.”

“I also request the GoI to continue the efforts for the transparent disposal of 125 Tamil Nadu boats that were apprehended before 2018. It is also requested to ensure the early release of 75 boats and fishing gears apprehended after 2018 by the Sri Lankan Navy,” the CM said.

According to a report on IANS, the Sri Lankan authorities gave a newspaper advertisement to auction 65 boats at Karaignagar in Jaffna district on February 7, five boats on February 8 at Kangesanthurai in Jaffna district and 24 boats in Kiranchi in Killinoi on February 9. The government said nine boats at Thalaimannar would be auctioned on February 10 and 2 boats would be auctioned at Kalpitiya in Puttalam district on February 11. 

Meanwhile, the advertisement has received the flak of Tamil Nadu political party members and fishermen associations. 

PMK leader Dr Ramadoss condemned the Sri Lankan government for sending an advertisement for auctioning the boats. He said, Sri Lankan authorities do not have the right to auction and they have insulted India especially since the country sought the SL government to release the boats. 

DMDK chief Vijayakant also condemned the SL government for the move. He said the PM Modi-led government should bring a permanent solution to the issue.

Balamurugan, President of Jegathapattinam Fisher's Association said, the auction must be stopped and the government should intervene in the issue since they would not be able to compensate for the loss. The auction would kill the hope of hundreds of fishermen who are waiting for foe the release of their boats.