Ramanathapuram, May 07: Union defence minister George Fernandes today said that he would find a solution after the coming Lok Sabha polls, to the problems plaguing fishermen in Tamil Nadu, especially in Ramanathpuram district, in the wake of reported attacks of Sri Lankan naval personnel. He told reporters here that he was not aware that such a large number of Indian fishermen's boats had been detained by Sri Lankan officials. The issue of getting them released had to be taken by the foreign ministry. "Anyway, I will look into it and talk to the officials concerned," Fernandes said.
On the Katchatheevu issue, he said it was handed over to Sri Lanka when Indira Gandhi was prime minister and Karunanidhi, the Tamil Nadu chief minister. "Despite my opposition and contention that handing over the island would cause hardship to fishermen and to India, it was given to Sri Lanka. Getting it back is a problem now, involving two countries. I cannot speak on bilateral issues, as I belong to another ministry."
He also heard the grievances of women of the fishermen community and assured them that a permanent solution would be found after the elections.
Bureau Report