R.N. Ravi. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

“The ruling Tamil Nadu Government, instead of “politicising” the Katchatheevu issue and “finding fault with the Central Government,” should undertake constructive approach in the issue to wipe out the tears of those affected,” Governor R.N. Ravi said.

“After all, it is the ruling party of the State today, as an ally of the then Central Government was equally responsible for the wrong [ceding of Katchatheevu islet to neighbouring Sri Lanka] in 1974,” the Raj Bhavan said in a social media post.

14 Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, two boats seized

The post referred to Governor R.N. Ravi’s visit to Rameswaram where the fisherfolks were suffering from misery. “I deeply sympathise with their plight. They are the victims of the very insensitive and unjust agreement of 1974 that has caused the livelihood woes of our poor fishermen,” the Raj Bhavan quoted the Governor.

The then governments in power at the Centre and in Tamil Nadu committed a “grave sin” by taking away the traditional fishing rights of our fishermen in the waters around Katchatheevu,” the Governor was quoted. “Since then, our fishing community has been suffering continuously. They are being arrested by the Sri Lankan government and their boats are being confiscated.”

32 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu arrested by Sri Lankan Navy

Advocating for a permanent solution to this long-standing problem, the Governor said the Centre and the State Governments should work together for this.