Vaiko Urges Indian Government to Pressure Sri Lanka on Fishermen Issues

MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, speaking in the Indian Parliament today, urged the Union Government to press Sri Lanka to compensate families of Indian fishermen killed or affected by the Sri Lankan Navy over the past decade.

Vaiko highlighted the increasing number of attacks and arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen in recent years. Since the beginning of 2025 alone, 150 Indian fishermen have been arrested and 20 boats seized. He pointed to the July 13 arrest of six fishermen and the confiscation of their motorized boats as the latest incident.

He accused the Sri Lankan Navy of repeatedly violating the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen in the Palk Strait and called it a serious challenge for the Indian government.

Vaiko demanded the unconditional release of all detained fishermen and their boats, along with a long-term solution to prevent such arrests and safeguard the livelihood of the fishing community.