PMK leader Ramdoss on Friday strongly condemned the reports that Sri Lankan government was auctioning the boats seized from the Indian fishermen, and said “the act of the Island government has shocked Indian fishermen.”

In a statement, he said the boats got damaged as they were not maintained and left uncared in the open sea. Besides, the Sri Lankan navalmen also resorted to damaging them by colliding and kicking them, he said. Stating that so far the navy had seized 72 boats from all over Tamil Nadu, he said the Sri Lankan government, following a new policy, opted to release the fishermen and seize boats.

They were auctioning the fishing boats. The Indian Coast Guard was properly maintaining the boats seized from the Sri Lankan fishermen and protecting them.

He said that as per a fishing arrangement entered into between Sri Lanka and India on October 26, 2008, except in the areas of security concern and importance or sensitiveness off Sri Lankan coast, Indian fishermen could enter and fish in the traditional areas.

The arrangement between the two countries also stressed that the fishermen should not be subjected to any problem including imprisonment if they were arrested.

The Sri Lankan government, against this arrangement, had detained the fishermen for more than 90 days and tortured them. It was also seizing their boats and crippling them. More than 700 families had been affected by the seizure of 72 boats.

Both the state and central governments have not realised the gravity of the situation and were ignoring the problem of the fishermen, without taking any steps, he alleged.

India should condemn such acts thorugh the diplomatic channel and get compensation for the boats which got damaged after being seized by them, he said.

PTI