Chennai: Asserting that the Tamil Nadu government will take all steps to restrain Sri Lankan Navy from arresting the fishermen during fishing in high seas, Governor R.N.Ravi on Monday so far 232 fishermen from the State arrested by the Lankan Navy have been released this year.
Delivering his customary New Year address to the State Assembly, he said till date 10 fishermen have not been released and 106 fishing boats continue to remain under the custody of the Lankan government.
“This Government accords highest priority for the welfare of fishermen and is proactively undertaking several development schemes. Construction of five new fishing harbours and improvement works in existing three fishing harbours at a total cost of Rs.982.30 crore are in progress”, he said.
Stating that this Government is committed to protect the fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen in its traditional waters, the Governor said in this year alone, 232 Tamil Nadu fishermen apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy were released after unstinting efforts of this Government.
“Till date, 10 fishermen have not been released and 106 fishing boats continue to be under the custody of the Sri Lankan Government”, he said, adding, the State Government will continue to urge that necessary steps be taken to restrain Sri Lankan Navy from apprehending our fishermen and to ensure early release of fishing boats and to find a permanent solution to these issues.
