Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written a letter to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging immediate and decisive action following the arrest of 35 Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen, hailing from Ramanathapuram district, were detained on August 9, and their four fishing boats were seized.In his letter, CM Stalin expressed deep concern over the recurring incidents of fishermen arrests by Sri Lankan authorities. He reminded Minister Jaishankar of a recent meeting where a delegation from Tamil Nadu, including MPs and fishermen representatives, sought intervention after the state lost two fishermen. Despite these efforts, Stalin lamented the lack of significant relief or resolution.
Stalin highlighted the severe impact these arrests have on the affected families and coastal communities, noting that the ongoing detentions create a pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty. He emphasized that the psychological and financial toll on these families is devastating, making it increasingly difficult for them to continue their traditional livelihoods.
The Chief Minister called for stronger diplomatic measures to ensure the immediate release of the detained fishermen and to establish a more permanent solution to prevent such incidents from recurring. He stressed that the safety and security of coastal communities should be prioritized and expressed hope that the Central Government would take prompt action to secure the release and repatriation of the apprehended fishermen and their boats.