Parties unite against ICGs fishing curbs

CHENNAI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking him rectify the stand of the Indian Coast Guard  with regard to the fishing rights of Tamil Nadu Fishermen.In her letter, the CM pointed out that the issue of allowing fishing in each other’s waters on a mutually agreed basis is being discussed by the Joint Working Group involving Indian and Sri Lankan authorities.Expressing surprise over the ICG’s blatantly condemnable stand, the CM said “if this stand is implemented, it will mean that the Tamil Nadu fishermen have to stop fishing and starve, which I am sure, is not the intention of the Central government.”In a Public Interest Litigation before the Madurai Bench of the Madras HC  for directing the Indian Coast Guard to give protection to the Tamil Nadu fishermen who conduct fishing for their livelihood in the Palk Bay waters, the ICG, in its counter affidavit, contended that Tamil Nadu fishermen cross the IMBL, conduct fishing in Sri Lankan waters by poaching and are using nets banned in that country.Meanwhile, Jayalalithaa held detailed discussions with her Cabinet colleagues and top officials on the points to be discussed at the meeting of the Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on fisheries issues.Since the ICG’s stand would affect the livelihood of the Tamil Nadu fishermen, the DMK MPs would raise the issue in the Parliament also, Baalu added. PMK founder S Ramadoss also condemned the ICG’s stand, stating it would be tantamount to denial of livelihood to them.  The Prime Minister  and Defence Minister should urge the ICG to withdraw the affidavit filed before the Madurai Bench of Madras HC.