Vaiko addresses Sri Lankan Navy's impact on fishermen

Indian lawmaker Vaiko raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha about the treatment of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy. He highlighted that 43 fishermen were arrested in January and faced heavy fines in a Kilinochchi court. Those who couldn't pay the fines were sent back to prison. Vaiko pointed out that over the past 40 years, 843 fishermen have lost their lives due to the actions of the Sri Lankan navy. He also mentioned a recent incident where ten fishermen from Thangachimadam were arrested while fishing in the Bay of Mannar, and their boats were seized. He accused the Sri Lankan navy of trying to dismantle the fishing industry in Tamil Nadu and called for appropriate action against such abuses. During his speech, Vaiko made a controversial remark about the Indian navy, prompting Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to request that he withdraw it. She emphasized the government's efforts to support Indian fishermen and recalled past interventions by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assist them.