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Stalin Urges Jaishankar to Expedite Return of Fishermen from Sri Lanka

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging immediate intervention to repatriate fishermen released by a Sri Lankan court but still held due to procedural delays. The letter details a recent Jaffna Court case where nine fishermen were ordered released but transferred to a detention centre. Stalin highlighted the severe and recurring hardship inflicted on Tamil Nadu's coastal communities, with 254 boats and 90 fishermen still in Sri Lankan custody. He emphasized the chronic economic distress and emotional trauma caused by these prolonged detentions.

Key Points: Stalin Writes to Jaishankar Over Fishermen Repatriation Delays

  • Fishermen remain detained despite court order
  • 9 released but stuck in detention centre
  • 254 boats & 90 fishermen still in Sri Lankan custody
  • Recurring arrests cause economic & emotional distress
2 min read

CM Stalin writes to Jaishankar over repatriation delays for released fishermen from Sri Lankan court

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin writes to EAM S Jaishankar, urging immediate action to bring back fishermen released by a Sri Lankan court.

"I request that urgent steps may kindly be taken to expedite the repatriation of the released fishermen at the earliest. - MK Stalin"

Chennai, February 14

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday penned a letter to Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, urging for immediate action to facilitate the return of Tamil Nadu fishermen released by the Sri Lankan court to their homeland, stating that they

The letter detailed the Jaffna Court proceedings against the Tamil Nadu fishermen apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy, seeking to draw attention to a judgment delivered by the Sri Lankan Court in the case.

"The Jaffna Court tried a total of twelve fishermen on 03.02.2026 - three from Mandapam, who were taken into custody on 28.12.2025, and nine from Mayiladuthurai, apprehended on 03.01.2026. Following the proceedings, three boat drivers were sentenced to six months' rigorous imprisonment and were each imposed a fine of LKR 11.60 lakh, with an additional three months' imprisonment in the event of default. The remaining nine fishermen were ordered to be released and were subsequently transferred to the Minihana Detention Centre on 05.02.2026." the letter read.

The letter further highlighted that due to delays in completing the repatriation formalities, the released fishermen remain in custody.

Highlighting the immense hardships endured by the detained fishermen and the resulting distress of their families, the letter urged, "I request that urgent steps may kindly be taken to expedite the repatriation of the released fishermen at the earliest."

Earlier on January 21, CM MK Stalin also wrote to EAM Dr S Jaishankar to highlight the "severe hardship on the coastal fishing communities of Tamil Nadu" inflicted by the recurring arrests.

"It is a matter of deep and continuing concem that the repeated apprehension of Tamil Nadu fishermen and the seizure of their fishing vessels by Sri Lankan authorities continue unabated. As on date, a total of 254 fishing boats belonging to Tamil Nadu and 90 fishermen, including those detained in the most recent incident, remain in Sri Lankan custody. These frequent and recurring arrests have inflicted severe hardship on the coastal fishing communities of Tamil Nadu. The prolonged detention of fishermen and confiscation of their boats have caused chronic economic distress, emotional trauma and sustained anxiety among their families. The cumulative impact of these incidents has deeply disrupted the social and economic fabric of these vulnerable coastal regions." the letter read.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see CM Stalin taking this up. The families in coastal Tamil Nadu must be going through so much anxiety. 254 boats and 90 fishermen still in custody? That's a huge number affecting so many households. Hope MEA sorts this out quickly.
D
David E
While the situation is tragic, there is also a need for a long-term diplomatic solution on the maritime boundary. Fishermen often stray due to lack of clear markers. Both governments need to sit down and find a permanent fix, not just firefight each incident.
K
Kavya N
The fine of 11.60 lakh LKR is enormous for a poor fisherman! How will they ever pay that? This is crushing. The central government must negotiate for their release and waive these impossible fines. Our fishermen's safety should be a top priority.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, while the CM's letter is important, I wish state governments would also work on creating alternative livelihoods or enforcing stricter zones for fishing to prevent these incidents in the first place. It's a complex issue needing action from both sides.
S
Siddharth J
Heart goes out to the families. Imagine the trauma of being detained in a foreign country. The MEA bureaucracy needs to cut the red tape and bring our brothers home immediately. Jaishankar sir, please act on this with urgency.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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