Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to initiate immediate diplomatic efforts with the Sri Lankan government to secure the release of all the detained fishermen from the southern state along with their fishing boats.
In his letter to Jaishankar, DMK Chief Stalin said, “I wish to bring to your kind attention the recent apprehension of 35 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu and their fishing boats by the Sri Lankan Navy.”
The Chief Minister said that on November 3, the Sri Lankan Navy detained 31 fishermen from Nagapattinam along with their three mechanized fishing boats.
He said that on the same day, in a separate incident, four fishermen from Ramanathapuram District were also apprehended, along with their country craft.
Stalin said, “These recurrent incidents have caused profound distress among the fishing communities of Tamil Nadu, whose lives and livelihoods are inextricably linked to the sea.”
He said that each apprehension not only deprives families of their primary means of sustenance but also instills a deep sense of fear and insecurity.
“As of now, 114 fishermen and 247 boats are under the custody of Sri Lankan authorities. I therefore request you to initiate immediate diplomatic efforts with the Sri Lankan government to secure the release of all the detained fishermen from Tamil Nadu along with their fishing boats,” he demanded.
