Why is Stalin Urging the Centre to Intervene for the Release of Tamil Nadu Fishermen?
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Synopsis
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, has urgently called for the Union government's intervention to secure the release of 47 Indian fishermen captured by the Sri Lankan Navy. This incident raises concerns over the safety and livelihoods of the fishing community.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate diplomatic intervention is needed for the release of detained fishermen.
- Recurring arrests threaten the livelihoods of fishing communities.
- The need for long-term solutions like the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries is crucial.
- Stalin's letter highlights the distress within the fishing community.
- Maintaining peaceful maritime relations with Sri Lanka is essential.
Chennai, Oct 9 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, has called on the Union government to promptly employ diplomatic channels to facilitate the release of 47 Indian fishermen, which includes 30 from Tamil Nadu and 17 from Karaikal (Puducherry), apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy in the early hours of Thursday (October 9).
In a strongly phrased letter directed to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the Chief Minister conveyed his serious concerns regarding the persistent arrests of Indian fishermen along with the confiscation of their vessels by Sri Lankan authorities.
As stated in the Chief Minister’s correspondence, the Sri Lankan Navy detained five Indian mechanised fishing boats and arrested 47 fishermen from Ramanathapuram and Karaikal districts while they were engaged in routine fishing activities.
Stalin highlighted that 30 of the detained fishermen hail from coastal villages in Tamil Nadu, with four mechanised boats from the state seized. “This incident has caused significant distress among the fishing community, instilling a sense of fear and uncertainty in the coastal districts,” the Chief Minister remarked.
He characterized this latest arrest as the first instance in 2025 where such a substantial number of fishermen have been detained in a single day, noting that repeated occurrences of this nature severely impact the safety, livelihoods, and morale of traditional fishing communities.
Stalin further emphasized that 74 Tamil Nadu fishermen and 242 fishing boats remain in Sri Lankan custody, highlighting the pressing need for diplomatic action. He urged the External Affairs Minister to address the situation with the Sri Lankan government to ensure the prompt release of all detained fishermen and their vessels.
Advocating for long-term solutions, the Chief Minister stressed the necessity to reinstate the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries to avert future incidents. “It is crucial that enduring diplomatic efforts are made to safeguard the safety and livelihood of our fishermen and to prevent the recurrence of such arrests,” he asserted.
Stalin concluded his letter by appealing to the Centre to act swiftly and decisively to uphold the rights and dignity of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen and to maintain harmonious maritime relations with Sri Lanka.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by fishermen in Indian waters. The arrests and seizures by the Sri Lankan Navy not only threaten the livelihoods of these individuals but also strain diplomatic relations. It is imperative for the Indian government to engage in constructive dialogue with Sri Lanka to ensure the safety and rights of its fishermen, reinforcing the importance of maintaining peace and cooperation in maritime matters.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted M.K. Stalin to write to the Union government?
Stalin urged the Union government to take immediate steps for the release of 47 fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy, highlighting the ongoing arrests and their impact on the fishing community.
How many fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested?
Out of the 47 arrested fishermen, 30 are from Tamil Nadu.
What actions did the Sri Lankan Navy take?
The Sri Lankan Navy detained five Indian mechanised fishing boats and arrested 47 fishermen during routine fishing operations.
What long-term measures did Stalin propose?
Stalin recommended reinstating the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries to prevent future incidents.
What is the current status of detained fishermen?
Currently, 74 Tamil Nadu fishermen and 242 fishing boats are still in Sri Lankan custody.
