Stalin To Attend Fishermen Conference In TN's Ramanathapuram On Aug 18

The statement of the Minister came on the same day as nine fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy. 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin is set to attend Tamil Nadu fishermen's conference in Ramanathapuram next month to condemn the attack on Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen's conference to be organized by Tamil Nadu Fishermen Association will be held on August 18. On Tuesday, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan said that CM Stalin will attend the conference organised by fishermen association in Ramanathapuram. 

In a release, the Minister said, "Fishermen association have invited Stalin to take part in the conference. The CM has accepted the invite and decided to take part in the conference in Ramanathapuram on August 18."

The conference is likely to focus on discussing livelihood issues of fishermen, arrest of fishermen and seizure of their boats among others.

The statement of the Minister came on the same day as nine fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy. 

On Tuesday, Stalin also wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urging him to take diplomatic efforts to resolve fishermen issues. 

In the letter, Stalin said, "I am writing with deep concern and disappointment regarding the continued arrest of fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy, even after my recent request to step up diplomatic efforts to resolve this long-standing issue."

The CM said that he had urged PM to take up the matter during Sri Lankan President's visit to India and hoped that this visit would provide an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and find a lasting solution that respects the rights and livelihoods of both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen.

However, despite the high-level interactions between the two nations, the situation on the ground remains unchanged, he said. 

CM said: "I once again, request you to take all possible diplomatic efforts to ensure the release of the apprehended fishermen, secure the return of their seized boats, and re-emphasise the significance of finding a lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the issue of fishing rights in the Palk Bay region. "