Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written a letter to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, appealing for urgent diplomatic intervention to secure the release of Tamil Nadu fishermen and their boats apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.
In his letter, dated June 18, 2024, Stalin highlighted the recent apprehension of four fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy. These fishermen, who had set out from the Kottaipattinam fishing harbour in Pudukottai District, were taken into custody while operating their mechanised fishing boat with Registration No. IND-TN-08-MM-05.
"I wish to draw your attention to the apprehension of four fishermen from Tamil Nadu on 18.06.2024 by the Sri Lankan Navy. These fishermen, who set out from the Kottaipattinam fishing harbour in Pudukottai District, on their mechanised fishing boat bearing Registration No. IND-TN-08-MM-05 were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy on 18.06.2024," Stalin wrote.
He underscored the broader implications of these incidents, which not only disrupt the livelihoods of the fishermen but also create a pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty among their families and the entire coastal community. According to the Chief Minister, there are currently 15 fishermen and 162 fishing boats from Tamil Nadu under the custody of the Sri Lankan government.
Further, Stalin urged the External Affairs Minister to use appropriate diplomatic channels to ensure the immediate release of all detained fishermen and their boats.
"I therefore request you to urgently prevail upon the Sri Lankan Government through appropriate diplomatic channels for the immediate release of all the fishermen from Tamil Nadu and their fishing boats," the letter concluded.