Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Urges Action for Fishermen’s Rights
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 2: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has appealed to Union Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar for immediate and substantial action to uphold the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen. In a letter addressed to Jaishankar, CM Stalin emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by the fishermen and criticized the BJP-led government for not taking concrete measures during its three consecutive terms in power.
“Despite the fact that the BJP-led government is in power for the third consecutive term, no tangible and meaningful effort has been taken to retrieve the island except for using the issue as an election-time rhetoric,” the letter reads.
Fishermen’s Protest
Earlier, the Ramanathapuram District Fisherman Association announced on Saturday that they would hold a protest against the Tamil Nadu government following the introduction of new laws for fishermen, demanding their immediate repeal. The association members alleged that the laws are designed to harm fishermen, specifically citing a provision that allows only one of a person’s boats to receive diesel at a subsidized price if they own more than one boat.
A decision regarding the protest was made by the association members at a meeting held in front of the fishing token issuing office near Rameswaram fishing port. The meeting was chaired by the association’s secretary, Jesuraj.
Fishermen’s Concerns
Fishermen also condemned the new law, which they claim includes the cancellation of government benefits, such as fishermen’s savings and relief provided to fishermen over 60 years of age. They further alleged that the government refused to provide relief to a fisherman who recently died of a heart attack while fishing in the sea at Rameswaram.
Additionally, fishermen accused the Chief Minister of failing to fulfil his promise regarding the increase of the diesel subsidy made at the DMK Fishermen’s Conference. Fishermen also complained about the lack of proper pricing for shrimp and crabs caught by them.
