BJP committed to solving Tamil Nadu fishermen issue

PUDUCHERY: Voicing its commitment to solving the dispute over fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen in the Palk Strait, BJP today said it was handling the problem "carefully" and a final solution "needs time".

"BJP is deeply and carefully handling the issue of Indian Tamil fishermen. Several meetings had been held involving fishermen, officials and ministers (of both India and Sri Lanka) but still a final solution needs time," Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Shipping Pon. Radhakrishnan told reporters here.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had also held discussions with the fishermen over the issue, he said.

Fishing dispute in the Palk Strait between the fishermen of the two countries has remained an issue for long, with many of them from Tamil Nadu facing action, including arrest, by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the maritime boundary.