“I would like to bring to your kind attention yet another incident of harassment of fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy on 26.6.2012.  About 704 mechanized fishing boats went for fishing in the sea from Rameswaram fishing base on 25.6.2012.  Fishermen in 45 boats fishing near Katchatheevu on 26.6.2012, were harassed by the Sri Lankan Navy.  The Sri Lankan Navy is reported to have chased the fishermen and cut the ropes and damaged nets of 10 boats resulting in huge loss to the fishermen.

         You are aware that I have brought to your kind attention the various incidents of attack on Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy/Miscreants within the past 12 months and sought your intervention. This latest incident of harassment has shocked the State of Tamil Nadu and created a psychological fear in the minds of our fishermen.

         I wish to reiterate that from time immemorial the fishermen of Tamil Nadu have been traditionally fishing in the waters near Katchatheevu, notwithstanding any geographical or political boundaries. 

          I request you to kindly take up the issue with the
Sri Lankan Government and impress upon them the need to instruct their Navy to exercise restraint and refrain from harassing innocent Indian fishermen pursuing their livelihood in their traditional waters.”