Chennai: Thirteen fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who had been detained by the Sri Lankan Navy over a month ago, finally returned to Chennai on Saturday.
Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department officials received them at the airport and arranged their safe return to their native villages in Pudukkottai and Rameswaram.
The fishermen had been arrested in two separate incidents: six from Pudukkottai on July 1 and seven from Rameswaram on July 12. During these arrests, the Sri Lankan authorities confiscated their boats, fishing gear, and even their catch.
Once in Sri Lanka, the fishermen were presented before a court, which subsequently ordered their imprisonment. Concerned about their welfare, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin swiftly intervened, addressing the issue with the Central Government. In a letter to Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Stalin demanded the immediate release of all Indian fishermen held in Sri Lankan custody, along with the return of their seized boats.
The Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka took up the matter, holding discussions with Sri Lankan officials. As a result of these diplomatic efforts, the 13 fishermen were released by a Sri Lankan court and handed over to Indian Embassy officials, who arranged for their flight back to Tamil Nadu.
Upon their arrival in Chennai, the fishermen expressed relief and gratitude, though they remain concerned about their confiscated equipment and boats, which are yet to be returned. The Tamil Nadu government has assured them of continued support and is expected to persist in its efforts to secure the release of all seized assets.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Indian and Sri Lankan authorities over fishing rights in the contentious waters of the Palk Strait, a long-standing issue that continues to affect the livelihoods of fishermen on both sides.