Secure Release Of 12 TN Fishermen Arrested In Maldives: Kanimozhi Writes To EAM Jaishankar

Around 12 fishermen from Thoothukudi who were fishing near the southern Arabian Sea were arrested by Maldivian authorities after they mistakenly entered the maritime boundary due to a cyclone alert. 

Thoothukudi MP and DMK leader Kanimozhi wrote to Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday requesting to secure the release of 12 Indian fishermen and their fishing boat from the custody of Maldivian Authorities. Around 12 fishermen from Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu who were fishing near the southern Arabian Sea were arrested by Maldivian authorities after they mistakenly entered the maritime boundary due to the cyclone alert. 

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Kanimozhi shared a copy of the letter and said, "Deeply concerned about the arrest of 12 fishermen from Tharuvaikulam in my Thoothukudi Constituency by the Maldivian Coast Guard while deep-sea fishing. I request the Ministry of External Affairs of India to swiftly intervene and ensure the safe return of our fishermen."

 

In the letter to Jaishankar, Kanimozhi said, "This is to request you to take necessary steps to secure the release of 12 Indian Fishermen who were arrested by the Maldivian Authorities. The 12 Fishermen hailing from Tharuvaikulam, Thoothukkudi District, Tamil Nadu were the crew of a fishing boat bearing registration No. TN-12-MM-6376."

"They were fishing in the Southern Arabian Sea and due to a cyclone alert received by them on 20.10.2023, they moved for safety and accidentally ventured into Maldivian maritime territory near Thinadhoo island. This has led to their arrest by the Maldivian authorities," she said. 

As a result, Kanimozhi requested to secure the release of all the 12 arrested fishermen and the seized fishing boat at the earliest.