Vaiko writes to PM, seeks release of 23 fishermen

CHENNAI:MDMK General Secretary Vaiko has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, seeking his intervention for ensuring the release of 23 TN fishermen and their boats, which were seized by the Sri Lankan Navy.

In his letter to PM, Vaiko referred to his recent visit and interaction with fisherfolk in Pamban and said that going by their narration, about 23 TN fishermen were taken in to custody and their boats seized by Lankan Navy, even while fishing in Indian territorial waters on May 26.

The boats, nets and engines of nine other fishermen were taken away on May 9 and released later, after being subjected to torture. Vaiko also raised his apprehension over the fate of the 23 other fishermen in Lankan Navy’s custody. Vaiko stated that several atrocities committed by Lankan Navy had remained uncontrolled, eventually, damage to the livelihood of fisherfolk.

“It is high time the government woke up from its slumber and acted on a burning issue concerning the livelihood of the peace-loving fishing community.”