Indian fishermen to seek asylum in SL

25 January 2011 05:18 am - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

About 500 fishermen from a village in Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu India have planned to seek asylum with the Sri Lankan government for their safety.

M Kathirvel, president of the village panchayat, told Express: “Since the state and Central governments miserably failed to protect us while fishing despite having the world class Navy and Coast Guard, we have decided to seek asylum with the neighbouring nation to save our lives.”

According to Kathirvel, in a week’s time, all these fishermen in 100-odd fibre boats (belonging to the villagers) would reach the Lankan maritime boundary to seek asylum with them.

Though the ‘hard decision’ seems to be taken after the tragic death of local fisherman N Jayakumar at the hands of Lankan Navy, it was primarily meant to put more pressure on the State and Centre to understand the ground reality faced by fishermen in the region, Kathirvel said.

“Since we don’t want to lead a life under constant fear of being killed or brutally attacked by Lankan Navy anytime while fishing in mid-sea, seeking asylum and continuing the fishing activities from the Lankan shores would only assure our food and more importantly the lives,” he added.

Seeking asylum with the country which constantly attacks Indian fishermen could only be attributed to the utter failure of the home country to provide security to them in sea, said S A Mahesh, president of All Indian Traditional Fishermen Association.

Mahesh further said that the Indian Government should wake up from deep slumber and act decisively to end the Lankan Navy’s unwarranted attacks on unarmed and innocent Tamil fishermen.

Source: expressbuzz

See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Flowers, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,News, Courier/Delivery, Food Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka.

Comments - 19

nagu Tuesday, 25 January 2011 08:42 AM

They have already investigated....SL navy was no where near them.....

Leslie Tuesday, 25 January 2011 05:37 AM

There is political under current in this move. If the Sri Lankan government does not move swiftly to defuse the situation they may have to pay a high price. Sometime back there was a suggestion that the Indian Fishermen should be armed/provided armed security. Act before it is too late.

Ravana Tuesday, 25 January 2011 05:38 AM

Looks like the Diaspora is making one HUGE last effort ! If we can hold out and keep our cool ( as a nation) we may see it all fizzle out.

lankaputha Tuesday, 25 January 2011 05:51 AM

Pls, give them a warm welcome. First provide them a Lemon-puff, and then some shelter. Ask them to bring all what they have. No one will come after that.

Villager Tuesday, 25 January 2011 05:56 AM

Absolutely. There must be investigation, not knee jerk reaction on our part. Crying "Diaspora" won't solve all our problems.

Lankandian Tuesday, 25 January 2011 05:58 AM

Well...come one witness how peaceful we are!

manojh Tuesday, 25 January 2011 06:01 AM

We have a history 30 years of bad terrorism and this will only open the wounds again for a such cause.So be careful.

xlntgson Tuesday, 25 January 2011 09:41 AM

Bizarre!

citizen1 Tuesday, 25 January 2011 06:05 AM

Oh my Lord! Here they come!!!

eddy Tuesday, 25 January 2011 01:22 PM

Any Police or coroners report. Some one should be held accountable. Or another load of garbage pl return to sender.

pissuhu***k Tuesday, 25 January 2011 06:12 AM

what are they smoking in south india? i want some!!!

Rajitha Tuesday, 25 January 2011 01:23 PM

do you honestly think this is about some poor fishermen trying to find a decent life?

MagodisThuma Tuesday, 25 January 2011 01:31 PM

Your Name says you need it !

eddy Tuesday, 25 January 2011 01:35 PM

Any Police or coroners report. Some one should be held accountable

KHKaru Tuesday, 25 January 2011 10:38 AM

Something fishy going on in Tamilnadu ! SL Govt. must act swiftly and nip the problem in the bud. A stitch in time will save nine !

King Nut Tuesday, 25 January 2011 07:44 AM

No More Indians here..

spark Tuesday, 25 January 2011 07:45 AM

The Indian government has certainly failed in its responsibilities.

N.B.M.Arachchi Tuesday, 25 January 2011 07:45 AM

This is what we called "real leaders and followers"...No bright talks againast anyone... Just imagine if Vimal W. were a leader of these fishermen...?

Lucky Tuesday, 25 January 2011 07:52 AM

The fishermen need our protection. Navy should be asked to assist them, if they cross into our territory. These are poor fishermen and they deserve our assistance to make a decent living.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Indian fishermen to seek asylum in SL

Comments - 19

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

Security Threats Faced by TNA Jaffna District MP Sumanthiran

Mannar Bishop Rayappu Joseph was the Voice of the Voiceless

“I value my self-respect more than this crown” -Pushpika de Silva

What is in a meme?

Justice Delayed is Justice Denied!

Cinematic links between director Lester and actor Gamini

Difficult to forgive Easter Sunday bombers: Brother of tourists killed in Sri Lanka

Most Viewed in News

PHIs warn SL’s COVID-19 situation heading towards disaster like India

Security Threats Faced by TNA Jaffna District MP Sumanthiran

Wijedasa claims life under threat by Prez

Third wave expected in May

Caroline Jurie no longer Mrs. World 2020

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’s son arrested

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Govt. under pressure from allies not to impose civil disabilities

All May Day rallies suspended: Army Chief

Port City a safe haven for money laundering

In view of boosting night economy Diana proposes to extend opening hours of bars

MIRROR CRICKET

Prof. Arjuna heads SLC Management Committee

Buoyant West Indies out to deepen Sri lanka’s woes in two-Test series

Pallekele to host both Banga Tests

‘1996’ – a dream year overall

Dilhara Lokuhettige set to challenge eight-year ban

Mahela didn’t influence us on player selection, says chief selector

Knockout rounds from Sunday

Western Wind rattles Nuwara Eliya with Governor’s Cup win