Stalin Appeals to Jaishankar for the Release of Detained Fishermen from Tamil Nadu
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Chennai, Dec 24 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, has reached out to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, calling for immediate diplomatic initiatives to facilitate the release of all Indian fishermen currently detained by the Sri Lankan navy, alongside their mechanized boats.
In his communication to the Union Minister on Tuesday (December 24), Stalin emphasized the urgent need for intervention regarding the release of 17 fishermen who have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the mechanized boats, identified by the numbers -- IND-TN-10-MM-206 and IND-TN-10-MM-543, are also in the possession of the Sri Lankan Navy and requested that the Union Minister assist in their prompt release.
Stalin noted that the ongoing arrests and assaults pose significant risks to the lives of our fishermen, who rely entirely on fishing in their traditional waters, making their livelihoods precarious and hazardous.
He further indicated that in the year 2024 alone, 530 fishermen have been arrested, and 71 boats have been seized, leading to heightened fear within the fishing community due to the recent detentions and attacks.
In his letter, the Chief Minister urged the External Affairs Minister to employ concerted efforts through suitable diplomatic channels to ensure the immediate release of all detained fishermen and their fishing vessels.
Stalin stated, "I also request that diplomatic measures be undertaken to prevent such attacks from happening in the future," referencing two separate incidents where fishermen from Kodiyakkarai village in Nagapattinam were assaulted by six unidentified Sri Lankan nationals on December 20.
He elaborated, "In this shocking incident, three of the six fishermen who were out at sea in two country crafts were injured, and their belongings, including GPS equipment, VHF equipment, fishing nets, mobile phones, and their catch, were stolen by the attackers."
Fishermen's associations across Tamil Nadu are organizing protests in coastal districts and have reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking for intervention to halt the mid-sea arrests and confiscation of mechanized boats, which are crucial to their livelihoods.
Recently, S. Jaishankar addressed this matter with visiting Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake, emphasizing the frequent detentions of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Former Union Minister and President of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Anbumani Ramadoss, has also called for vigorous action from the Indian government to avert future arrests of Indian fishermen.
