Sri Lankan Navy had recently arrested 12 fishermen off Rameswaram. Now it is reported that the Sri Lankan court has fixed the amount of their release at Rs 1-1 crore. However, the politics in India has heated up on this decision of the neighboring country’s court. Here, people from Sri Lanka, who are facing economic crisis, continue to come to India. Sri Lanka is facing the worst economic crisis since its independence from Britain in 1948.
According to The News Minute report, P Jesuraj, president of All Mechanized Association, told a news agency, “We are shocked to hear that the court has fixed an amount of Rs 1 crore per fisherman for release. How can a fisherman raise Rs 1 crore? Had he had this money, he would not have been in this profession. According to Jesuraj, around 85 Indian boats are still in Sri Lankan possession. Makkal Nidhi Maiyam chief and actor Kamal Haasan has also expressed surprise over the court’s decision.
According to the report, Rameshwaram Fishermen’s Association president Devdas said, “India and Sri Lanka have strong bilateral ties. Even after this we see that there is no other country other than Sri Lanka which treats the fishermen who are struggling for their livelihood like this. Is the Indian government looking at it as a spectator? Our fishermen were caught by Sri Lanka and that too when the Foreign Minister of India is there on a diplomatic visit. The amount of release is like salt on the wounds. The annual ban on fishing is coming, diesel prices have driven up fishing prices and now this.’
He also pointed out that Katchatheevu Island, which is currently under Sri Lankan control, is a major reason for the capture of Tamil Nadu fishermen. Like in Rameshwaram district, fishermen from Tamil Nadu go here.
According to the website, DMK spokesperson Advocate Shravanan said, “This unusual amount can only mean that the Sri Lankan government expects the security deposit to be unpaid.” They should consider that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is working so hard to send relief to Sri Lanka and especially the northern parts of Sri Lanka. This unimaginable amount as security deposit will not be of any use. He informed that the Tamil Nadu government will try to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels.