Chennai, February 23: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has appealed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic action for the release of fishermen from Tamil Nadu detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
In a letter addressed to Minister Jaishankar, CM Stalin expressed concern over the recent detention of 12 fishermen from the state, stating that repeated arrests have severely impacted coastal communities reliant on fishing. This incident has raised the total number of Tamil Nadu fishermen in Sri Lankan custody to 116.
He further noted that 259 fishing boats belonging to Tamil Nadu fishermen are still seized by Sri Lankan authorities. This situation is alarming and poses significant challenges for fishing communities dependent on daily earnings from marine activities.
According to the Chief Minister, the latest incident occurred on the night of February 22, when a mechanized fishing boat from the Pamban Fish Landing Centre in Ramanathapuram district was intercepted by the Sri Lankan Navy. The authorities seized the boat and detained the 12 fishermen on board.
CM Stalin emphasized that such incidents continue to occur despite repeated appeals from the state government. He stressed the urgent need for immediate and ongoing diplomatic discussions between India and Sri Lanka to prevent further detentions and ensure the safety of Indian fishermen.
Official sources indicate that the fishermen were apprehended while fishing in the waters between Dhanushkodi and Thalaimannar in the Mannar Gulf. The seized boat reportedly belongs to a fisherman named David from Pamban in Ramanathapuram district.
Stalin described these arrests as part of a troubling pattern and expressed deep concern over the increasing number of fishermen detained by Sri Lankan authorities. He pointed out that repeated detentions have created fear, uncertainty, and financial strain among coastal families, many of whom rely entirely on fishing for their livelihood. He added that the continuous seizure of fishing boats has exacerbated the financial difficulties faced by these fishermen and their families.
Fishermen’s organizations have also urged both the state and central governments to intensify diplomatic efforts with Sri Lanka to secure the release of detained fishermen and prevent future incidents.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment