Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote to Union External Affairs Minister Jaishankar flagging the assault on Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan nationals and demanded the Centre to take necessary steps to identify and act against the perpetrators of the crime. The CM also highlighted that nine instances of attack against fishermen were reported on Monday alone. In a letter to Union External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, Stalin sought the Minister's attention to the issue of "grave concern" that required immediate intervention.
Stalin said, "Recent reports have highlighted an increased number of attacks on Tamil fishermen by Sri Lankan nationals, and on August 21, 2023, alone, nine instances were reported. These incidents are causing serious harm to their morale and impact livelihood severely."
"The attackers inflicted physical harm upon Indian citizens and subjected them to theft, leaving them helpless and distressed. The injured fishermen had to undergo medical treatment in government hospitals, which underscores the gravity of the incidents," he said.
The CM said that the livelihood of the fishermen was intricately tied to the oceans and the recurring acts of violence not only jeopardise their lives and well-being but also hinder their ability to sustain their families and communities.
Stalin said: "Such incidents undermine the spirit of peaceful coexistence and violate their fundamental rights and the principles of international maritime law."
The CM requested the Centre to intervene and urge Sri Lankan authorities to take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrators to book. He also sought the Centre to utilise diplomatic ties to express India's concern against the incidents and to ensure the safety of the Indian citizens.
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