Chennai, 19 February (H.S.) : Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) chief Vaiko has launched a scathing attack on the Union Government, accusing it of treating Tamil Nadu fishermen as second-rate citizens.
Addressing a press conference in Madurai, the veteran leader condemned the central government for what he termed step-motherly treatment and a betrayal of the fishing community.
He demanded that the Indian government issue a stern warning to Sri Lanka to halt the repeated arrests, attacks, and seizure of boats belonging to Indian fishermen.
Vaiko highlighted that Tamil Nadu fishermen have faced relentless harassment, including firing and the destruction of fishing nets by the Sri Lankan Navy, for over 45 years. He alleged that many seized boats have been left to rot in Sri Lankan waters due to a lack of maintenance, causing immense financial loss to the community.
The MDMK leader argued that if fishermen from states like Gujarat had faced similar violence, the Centre would have taken immediate and serious action. He further suggested that the Indian government's current conduct indirectly encourages the criminal violence of the Sri Lankan authorities.
The MDMK chief urged the Prime Minister, the External Affairs Minister, and the Defence Minister to intervene decisively. He insisted that the Indian Navy must prevent the Sri Lankan Navy from entering the maritime region where Indian fishermen operate. Beyond the fishermen's issue, Vaiko also touched upon local politics, welcoming the alliance between the DMK and DMDK.
Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's frequent visits to Tamil Nadu, Vaiko remarked that even if the PM visits thirty times, he will remain disappointed in his attempts to influence the state's administration.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
