CM writes to EAM

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has appealed to Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for immediate diplomatic intervention to secure the release of six fishermen from Ramanathapuram district, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on January 22. Stalin urged the External Affairs Minister to convene a Joint Working Group to address long-pending issues between Indian fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy, aiming to prevent future arrests. Expressing concern over the recent arrests of Tamil fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities, Stalin highlighted the need for urgent attention to this escalating issue. In a letter to Jaishankar, the Chief Minister emphasized the detrimental impact on the traditional fishing rights of the Tamil community and the resulting climate of fear and uncertainty among the fishing population. “These arrests not only undermine the traditional fishing rights of the Tamil community but also contribute to a climate of fear and uncertainty among the fishing population. The arrests jeopardise these rights, threatening the cultural and economic fabric of the Tamil fishing communities,” Stalin wrote. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to address the situation, advocating for the revival of the Joint Working Group between India and Sri Lanka, specifically focusing on fisheries-related issues. He reasoned that such a collaborative platform could provide a constructive space for dialogue, addressing the pressing need for a resolution to prevent further disturbances in the region. Stalin concluded his letter by urging the External Affairs Minister to take swift and effective action to secure the early release of the arrested fishermen and their boats from Sri Lankan custody. @@@