Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has written to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking urgent diplomatic intervention for the release and repatriation of Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by Sri Lanka.
In his letter, the Chief Minister drew attention to the arrest of 22 fishermen from Ramanathapuram district and the seizure of four fishing boats by the Sri Lankan Navy on February 18. Of them, 18 fishermen who had ventured into the sea from the Rameswaram fishing landing centre were arrested along with three boats, while four others from Mandapam fishing harbour were detained in a separate incident the same day.
Stalin expressed deep concern over the recurring arrests, stating that the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities depend entirely on the sea. He noted that, as of now, 104 Indian fishermen and 258 boats remain in Sri Lankan custody.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the delay in the return of 12 fishermen who were released by a Jaffna court earlier this month, saying their families continue to face uncertainty and financial hardship.
He urged the External Affairs Minister to initiate immediate consular and diplomatic action to secure the release of all detained fishermen and ensure the swift repatriation of those already released.
