Chennai, June 30:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to the Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking immediate intervention to secure the release of eight fishermen from Rameswaram who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy, along with their mechanised fishing boat.
In his letter, Stalin expressed serious concern over the arrest, stating that it deeply affects the lives and livelihoods of Indian fishermen, particularly those from Tamil Nadu. He mentioned that the fishermen were apprehended near Katchatheevu and that their boat, registered as IND-TN-10 MM 773, was also seized.
Stalin pointed out that the fishing season had just resumed following the annual ban, and such arrests cause severe emotional and financial distress to the fishermen and their families. He urged the Union Government to engage diplomatically with Sri Lanka and take immediate steps to ensure the fishermen and their boat are safely brought back.
He further emphasized the need for a permanent solution to avoid recurring incidents, which create fear and instability among the fishing communities of Tamil Nadu. Stalin requested that the Centre take up this issue with utmost urgency and protect the rights and livelihoods of Indian fishermen.