Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has called on the Union Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, to intervene and ensure the early release of 28 Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by the Bahrain Coast Guard. In his letter to the External Affairs Minister, Stalin emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to secure consular access and legal assistance for the fishermen, who were arrested on September 11.Stalin highlighted that the fishermen, hailing from Idinthakarai fishing village in Tirunelveli district, were working on boats owned by Iranian nationals and were apprehended while engaged in fishing labor in Iranian waters. Their arrest by the Bahrain Coast Guard occurred after they inadvertently crossed the maritime border.
“The families of these fishermen, who are heavily reliant on their income, have been severely affected by the arrest. This unfortunate incident has brought immense hardship to their lives,” Stalin stated in his letter, underscoring the pressing need for immediate action.
The Chief Minister urged the Ministry of External Affairs to take prompt diplomatic steps to facilitate consular access and provide the necessary legal assistance to the detained fishermen to expedite their release.
The plea from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister comes as part of ongoing efforts to support the welfare of fishermen from the state who often face challenges and legal issues while working abroad. The intervention by the Indian government is seen as critical in ensuring the safe and early return of the fishermen to their families.