Chief minister M K Stalin has written to Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar requesting diplomatic measures to secure the release of seven Tamil Nadu fishermen languishing in a Pakistan prison since January. They were among 14 Indian fishermen apprehended by Pakistan Navy on January 3, 2024 while venturing out for fishing on two mechanised trawlers from Porbandar, Gujarat. Among the 14, seven are from Tamil Nadu, said Stalin in his letter. He said it has been nearly 10 months since their incarceration, and there has been no communication regarding their status or efforts being made towards their release. “Their families are facing severe emotional and financial distress and are struggling to cope with the prolonged uncertainty of the arrested persons’ release,” he said.