Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin vehemently accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the state’s long standing demands on the fishermen issue and the retrieval of the Katchatheevu islet on his latest visit to Sri Lanka.

Speaking in the Assembly, Stalin said that there was absolutely zero indication that Modi had raised either of these issues during his visit despite them being so important.

“This only shows that Tamil Nadu’s demand for retrieving Katchatheevu has been ignored. It does not appear that Prime Minister Narendra Modi , who went to Sri Lanka raised the fishermen’s release, too,” Stalin said, calling the situation “regrettable and disappointing.”

He added that although the centre has ignored the fishermen, the state would still continue its effort for their welfare. He announced several new initiatives, including a fishing harbour at Thangachimadam in Rameswaram.

Last week the state had passed a resolution urging the centre to retrieve Katchatheevu which was ceded to Sri Lanka, through agreements in 1974 and 1976. The resolution also called on the Prime Minister to persuade Sri Lanka to release imprisoned fishermen and their boats.