Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has called on the Union Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, to ensure the swift release of all Tamil Nadu fishermen and their boats detained by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen were apprehended on June 18, raising concerns about their safety and the impact on their livelihoods.In a formal letter addressed to Dr. Jaishankar, CM Stalin detailed the incident, stating that the fishermen set sail from the Kottaipattinam fishing harbour in Pudukottai District aboard a mechanised fishing boat with the registration number IND-TN-08-MM-05. The Sri Lankan Navy detained the fishermen while they were at sea.
“These incidents not only disrupt the livelihoods of the fishermen but also instil a sense of fear and uncertainty among their families and the entire coastal communities,” CM Stalin wrote. He highlighted the ongoing issue, noting that approximately 15 fishermen and 162 fishing boats from Tamil Nadu remain in the custody of the Sri Lankan Government.
The Chief Minister emphasized the urgency of the matter, urging the Ministry of External Affairs to engage with the Sri Lankan Government through appropriate diplomatic channels to secure the immediate release of the detained fishermen and their boats.
Stalin’s appeal underscores the critical impact such detentions have on the coastal communities of Tamil Nadu, affecting not only the immediate victims but also creating widespread anxiety and economic instability among the fishing population.
This call for action follows a series of similar incidents where Tamil Nadu fishermen have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy, often leading to diplomatic tensions between India and Sri Lanka. The Tamil Nadu government has consistently advocated for the protection of its fishermen and sought intervention from the central government to resolve these issues amicably.
