Stalin urges Centre to secure release of TN fishermen

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 14 fishermen from Tamil Nadu for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line near Neduntheevu. The fishermen, from Mayiladuthurai district, were taken to Kankesanthurai harbour. Their boat was also seized. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging him to take quick diplomatic steps to secure their release. He also asked the Centre to restart the Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings between India and Sri Lanka. Stalin said repeated arrests have caused great hardship to the families and affected the coastal communities that depend on fishing. He urged the Union Government to find a permanent and peaceful solution to the long-standing fishermen issue.