Chennai, Feb 3 (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has urged Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic measures to halt the arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and secure the release of those already detained.
In a letter addressed to Jaishankar, Stalin highlighted the latest incident, in which ten fishermen from Ramanathapuram district were apprehended on Monday. He pointed out that in the past 27 days alone, 63 fishermen and five fishing boats had been seized in five separate incidents by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The Chief Minister further detailed that in 2024, a total of 530 fishermen and 71 fishing boats had been detained across 36 incidents. As of now, 97 fishermen and 216 fishing boats remain in Sri Lankan custody, he claimed.
Expressing deep concern over the persistent issue, Stalin emphasized that these repeated arrests underscore the urgent need for a resolution. He lamented the severe economic distress caused to the coastal fishing community due to the continued detention of fishermen and their boats.
"These incidents of apprehensions by the Sri Lankan Navy continue unabated, underscoring the urgency of resolving this vexed issue. The arrest and detention of the fishermen and non-release of their fishing boats have caused immense damage to the coastal community’s economy," Stalin stated in the letter.
He also highlighted the fear and hardship faced by hundreds of poor fishermen families due to these recurring incidents. Stressing the need for immediate intervention, he urged the External Affairs Minister to take diplomatic efforts at the highest level to stop the arrests and facilitate the release of all detained fishermen and their boats.
The issue of Indian fishermen being detained by Sri Lankan authorities has long been a point of contention between the two nations, with Tamil Nadu’s fishing community bearing the brunt of the ongoing maritime disputes.
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