Sushma Swaraj says will expedite deep-sea fishing package for Tamil Nadu

The minister reiterated Centre's commitment for early implementation of the Rs. 1500 crore package to develop deep sea fishing capacities.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (File | PTI)
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (File | PTI)

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday met a delegation of Tamil Nadu fishermen and talked about early implementation of Rs 1,500 crore package to augment deep-sea fishing capacity of the fishermen in the State.

The External Affairs Minister reiterated the Union government’s commitment for early implementation of the Rs 1,500 crore package to develop deep-sea fishing capacities for fishermen in Tamil Nadu and informed that the “initial financial allotment” in this regard has been made.

The fishermen in the State have been on the edge as killing of an Indian fishermen in the waters between India and Sri Lanka on March 6 has underlined the dependency of their livelihood on good relation and early resolution of the issues between the two countries.

Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the fishermen, accompanied by Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan and Members of Parliament (MPs) L Ganeshan and Anwar Raajha, apprised Swaraj of the “difficulties faced by them in attending to their livelihood through fishing in waters” between India and Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan Navy had arrested 85 Indian fishermen and had seized their boats as well after the firing incident. The fishermen were assured that the Sri Lankan government is conducting a thorough investigation in the killing of the Indian fishermen.

Swaraj, has told the fishermen that the government will “remain closely engaged” with Sri Lankan government to secure release of all Indian boats and fishermen in their custody.

She also highlighted that efforts taken by the Indian government in the last two years had led to release of all boats and fishermen by Sri Lanka.

However, the fishing trawlers seized by the Sri Lankan Navy continue to remain in its custody as the Sri Lankan fishermen continue to oppose the Indian fishing trawlers that, they say, has been harming the marine ecosystem in Sri Lankan waters.

The protests following the death of the fisherman on March 6 were pegged on the core demand of peaceful and a long-standing solution to the issues miring fishing activities and restoration of their traditional rights in the Palk Strait.

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