EPS slams DMK Govt over fishermen arrests, urges Centre for swift action

AIADMK chief and Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition (LoP) Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Tuesday criticised the DMK government for its handling of the recurring arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, accusing it of merely resorting to letter-writing without concrete action.

Reacting to the latest incident on Saturday, where Indian fishermen were arrested and their boats seized, Palaniswami expressed his "shock" and highlighted the growing frustration among the affected families.

"The family members of the fishermen regret that these arrests and boat seizures are becoming more frequent. They feel the DMK government limits itself to writing letters to the Centre and moves on," the former Chief Minister said in a post on 'X'.

Palaniswami called on the 39 Lok Sabha MPs from the DMK-led alliance to apply "requisite pressure" in Parliament to end the arrests and ensure the safe return of the fishermen and their impounded boats.

He also urged the central government to hold immediate talks with Sri Lanka to find a lasting solution to the issue, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to protect Tamil Nadu's fishing community.

The arrests of Indian fishermen have long been a contentious issue, straining Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka relations and prompting calls for decisive diplomatic intervention. Palaniswami's remarks underscore the urgency of addressing this ongoing challenge.