Can CM Stalin Prompt the Centre to Release 14 Fishermen Held by the Sri Lankan Navy?
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Synopsis
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged the Indian government to intervene diplomatically for the release of 14 fishermen captured by the Sri Lankan Navy. This plea highlights ongoing tensions and the critical impact on local livelihoods. Can timely action safeguard their rights and restore justice?
Key Takeaways
- 14 fishermen detained by Sri Lankan Navy during fishing activities.
- CM M.K. Stalin requests diplomatic intervention from the Centre.
- Ongoing issue of repeated arrests jeopardizes livelihoods of Tamil Nadu coastal communities.
- A total of 237 fishing boats and 80 fishermen are currently in custody.
- Advocacy for the rights of fishermen to fish in their traditional waters.
Chennai, Aug 7 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, has reached out to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, advocating for immediate diplomatic action to facilitate the release of 14 fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
In his correspondence, CM Stalin highlighted that the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 14 Indian fishermen and confiscated their mechanised fishing vessel, alongside an unregistered country boat, during the early hours of Tuesday.
He brought this situation to the urgent attention of the External Affairs Minister, voicing significant concern over the ongoing arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen.
After their detention, the 14 fishermen from Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district were taken to the Sri Lankan Navy facility in Puttalam for questioning.
"This marks the 17th incident in just 2025," the Chief Minister remarked, noting that the consistent apprehension of Indian fishermen, despite various diplomatic requests by the Union Government to Sri Lankan authorities, raises serious alarm.
CM Stalin stated that such actions by the Sri Lankan Navy are not merely unfair but also threaten the livelihoods of the coastal communities in Tamil Nadu.
He pointed out that currently, 237 fishing boats and 80 fishermen from Tamil Nadu are held in Sri Lankan custody.
CM Stalin condemned the infringement of Tamil Nadu fishermen's traditional rights to fish in their customary waters, emphasizing that fishing serves as their only means of livelihood.
"I regret to note that the fundamental rights of these fishermen to pursue their traditional occupation in historic fishing waters are being persistently violated," CM Stalin declared in his letter.
The Chief Minister has called upon the Centre to undertake swift and effective diplomatic measures to guarantee the immediate release of all Tamil Nadu fishermen currently detained in Sri Lanka.
In addition to the arrests, Sri Lankan authorities are seizing high-powered fishing boats and, in certain instances, initiating procedures to nationalize them—a move that has severely disrupted the livelihoods of Tamil Nadu's coastal fishing communities.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the ongoing challenges faced by Tamil Nadu fishermen. The government must balance diplomatic relations with the need to protect the rights and livelihoods of its citizens. This issue highlights the importance of addressing maritime disputes while ensuring the welfare of local communities.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the fishermen arrested?
The fishermen were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing in disputed waters, leading to the seizure of their boats.
How many fishermen are currently detained?
Currently, a total of 14 fishermen from Tamil Nadu are held by the Sri Lankan authorities.
What is the Tamil Nadu government's stance on this issue?
The Tamil Nadu government, led by CM M.K. Stalin, is urging the Central Government to intervene diplomatically for their release.
What impact do these arrests have on local communities?
These arrests severely affect the livelihoods of local fishermen and their families, as fishing is their primary source of income.
What diplomatic measures are being considered?
The Chief Minister has called for swift and decisive diplomatic steps to secure the fishermen's release and to address the ongoing issue.
