New Delhi, July 20, 2025– During an all-party meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, AIADMK MP M. Thambidurai highlighted a series of pressing issues affecting Tamil Nadu, urging immediate action from both the Indian and Sri Lankan governments. His remarks underscored the ongoing plight of Tamil Nadu fishermen, the escalating drug menace, custodial deaths, delays in releasing an Archaeological Department report, and the need for swift implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Tamil Nadu Fishermen Face Ongoing Harassment
Thambidurai drew attention to the recurring arrests and alleged mistreatment of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, a decades-long issue rooted in disputed fishing rights in the Palk Strait. “Tamil Nadu fishermen are suffering a lot. The Sri Lankan army kills many Tamil fishermen, so it is important to pay attention to this,” he stated, referencing incidents of violence and arrests. In 2024, Sri Lanka arrested 535 Indian fishermen, nearly double the previous year’s count, with 141 still detained as of November 2024, alongside 198 confiscated trawlers, according to Indian government data.
The MP urged the Indian government to press Sri Lanka to honor its commitments to resolving the issue diplomatically. “Whatever promises the Sri Lankan government has made, they must be fulfilled in time,” he emphasized. The arrests, often linked to alleged violations of the International Maritime Boundary Line, have sparked protests in Tamil Nadu, with fishermen reporting harsh treatment, including beatings and fines, by Sri Lankan authorities.
Drug Menace Plagues Tamil Nadu
Thambidurai also raised alarms over the growing drug menace in Tamil Nadu, accusing the state government of inaction. “Drug menace is very high across the country, especially in Tamil Nadu. The state government has failed to take any action on this,” he said. The issue of drug trafficking and abuse has been a rising concern, with Tamil Nadu’s coastal proximity making it vulnerable to smuggling networks. The MP’s remarks reflect broader anxieties about the socio-economic impact of drug proliferation on local communities.
Custodial Deaths Spark Outrage
The AIADMK leader further highlighted the issue of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu, calling for accountability and justice. “Custodial deaths are happening in Tamil Nadu,” Thambidurai noted, pointing to a troubling trend that has drawn criticism from human rights groups. These incidents have fueled public outrage and demands for reforms in police practices, with opposition MPs pressing the central government to address systemic issues in law enforcement.
Archaeological Report Delay Criticized
Thambidurai also questioned the central government’s delay in releasing a report by the Archaeological Department on excavations conducted in Tamil Nadu. “We asked that the report of the Archaeological Department, which conducted excavations in Tamil Nadu, has not been released by the central government. The government should release it,” he said. The report is believed to hold significance for Tamil Nadu’s cultural and historical heritage, and its delay has sparked concerns among local leaders about transparency and access to critical findings.
Push for Women’s Reservation Bill
On the legislative front, Thambidurai reiterated the need for swift implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. “The Women’s Reservation Bill has to be implemented,” he stressed, aligning with broader calls for gender equity in Indian politics. The bill, a long-standing demand, remains a focal point in parliamentary discussions, with opposition parties urging the government to expedite its rollout.
Broader Context and Calls for Action
The issues raised by Thambidurai reflect a mix of regional and national concerns, with the fishermen’s plight remaining a contentious point in India-Sri Lanka relations. The Palk Strait, a vital fishing ground, has been at the heart of the dispute, exacerbated by depleting fish stocks and the use of bottom-trawling methods by Indian fishermen, which Sri Lanka claims harms its marine ecosystem.
Opposition MPs, including those from the DMK, Congress, and other parties, have repeatedly protested the arrests, framing them as a national issue. DMK MP Kanimozhi recently noted that over 97 Tamil Nadu fishermen remain in Sri Lankan jails, with more than 210 boats seized, urging the central government to negotiate a lasting solution.
As the Monsoon Session progresses, Thambidurai’s remarks are likely to fuel further debate on these critical issues, with opposition parties pressing for concrete action from the central government. The convergence of regional grievances and national policy demands underscores the complex challenges facing Tamil Nadu and the broader Indian polity.
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Sources: Indian government data and statements from parliamentary proceedings.
