PM ignored TN's demand to discuss fishermen, Katchatheevu issues with Sri Lanka: Stalin
Last week, the TN Assembly adopted a resolution urging the Centre to retrieve Katchatheevu islet as a permanent solution to protect the traditional fishing rights of the state’s fishermen
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday (April 7) alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was ignoring Tamil Nadu's demand on resolving the fishermen issue and claimed the PM did not seem to have taken up the Katchatheevu retrieval issue with Sri Lanka during his recent visit there.
“Nor has Modi initiated measures to have the Tamil Nadu fishermen and their fishing boats released,” Stalin said in the Assembly.
"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, making a statement in the House.
Also Read: Katchatheevu: Can Modi’s Lanka visit help India reclaim fishing rights?
"This is regrettable and disappointing," he added.
Although the Centre has “let down” the fishermen, his government would continue to strive for their welfare, he said and announced a slew of schemes including a fishing harbour at Thangachimadam in Rameswaram.
Stalin’s post on X
Stalin posted on X, "On 02.04.2025, we passed a resolution in the assembly to stop Tamil Nadu fishermen from being continuously arrested by the Sri Lankan navy. That resolution was passed to find a permanent solution. In the resolution, we requested to retrieve Katchatheevu Island, release fishermen from Sri Lankan prisons, and return the boats captured by the Sri Lankan navy. We mentioned in the resolution that PM Modi should take action by speaking with the Sri Lankan government when he visits Sri Lanka. We also sent that resolution immediately to the Prime Minister... It is very disappointing and regrettable. We expected 97 fishermen and their boats to reach their homeland, which was not fulfilled... The Union Government and the Prime Minister are neglecting our demands. However, we will not fail to protect our fishermen's livelihood. DMK government will stand with the fishermen..."
Also Read: TN govt passes resolution to reclaim Katchatheevu, Opposition backs it
Assembly resolution
Last week, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had adopted a resolution urging the Centre to retrieve Katchatheevu islet, ceded by India to Sri Lanka by way of agreements in 1974 and 1976, as a permanent solution to protect the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen.
The House had also urged the Prime Minister to hold talks with the Sri Lankan government to get all the imprisoned fishermen from the state released along with their boats on a goodwill basis, during his official visit to the island republic.
(With inputs from agencies)
