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CM Vijay Urges EAM Jaishankar to Secure Release of Arrested TN Fishermen

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic steps for the release of six fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen were detained on May 12 for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line. Vijay highlighted that 54 Tamil Nadu fishermen remain in Sri Lankan prisons and 264 boats have been seized. The letter emphasizes the humanitarian and livelihood crisis faced by coastal communities due to repeated arrests.

Key Points: CM Vijay Urges Jaishankar on TN Fishermen Release

  • CM Vijay writes to EAM Jaishankar for diplomatic intervention
  • Six fishermen from Mandapam arrested by Sri Lankan Navy on May 12
  • 54 TN fishermen currently in Sri Lankan prisons; 264 boats seized
  • Urgent action sought to secure release and return of boats
2 min read

CM Vijay urges EAM Jaishankar to secure release of arrested TN fishermen from Sri Lankan custody

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay urges EAM Jaishankar to secure release of 6 fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, highlighting humanitarian and livelihood crisis.

"The repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen had become a serious humanitarian and livelihood issue - C. Joseph Vijay"

Chennai, May 12

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday urged the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic steps to secure the release of six fishermen from the state arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy and to retrieve their seized fishing boat.

In a letter addressed to Union Minister Jaishankar, Chief Minister Vijay expressed concern over the continuing arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities and highlighted the growing distress among coastal communities in the state.

Drawing EAM Jaishankar's attention to the latest incident, the Chief Minister said six fishermen from Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

The arrested fishermen were identified as Alex, Antony Rajan, Santhana Arokiyas, Arul D'Britto, Albert and Sahaya Selvasanu.

According to the letter, the fishermen had ventured into the sea on May 10 in a country boat from the Mandapam coastal region for routine fishing operations before they were detained by the Sri Lankan Naval personnel on May 12.

Chief Minister Vijay said that the repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen had become a serious humanitarian and livelihood issue affecting hundreds of fishing families dependent on the Palk Bay region for their survival.

The Chief Minister also added that 54 Tamil Nadu fishermen are currently lodged in Sri Lankan prisons following earlier arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy.

In addition, he noted that Sri Lankan authorities have so far seized 264 fishing boats belonging to fishermen from Tamil Nadu.

Stressing the need for urgent intervention by the Centre, Chief Minister Vijay urged EAM Jaishankar to immediately engage with the Sri Lankan government through appropriate diplomatic channels to secure the fishermen's release and ensure the return of their boats at the earliest.

The letter comes amid renewed tension in the Palk Strait region, where incidents involving Tamil Nadu fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy continue to recur despite repeated bilateral discussions between India and Sri Lanka on the long-pending fishing dispute.

The Tamil Nadu government has consistently said that the livelihood concerns of traditional fishermen should be handled with sensitivity and has repeatedly sought permanent diplomatic and humanitarian solutions to prevent arrests and boat seizures in the future.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
CM Vijay is right to push for action. These families depend on the sea, and each arrest adds to their suffering. The seizure of 264 boats is a huge economic blow. EAM Jaishankar must take this up at the highest level with Sri Lanka immediately.
J
James A
Living in the US, I still feel for our people back home. This raises a larger question about maritime boundaries and rights. India should negotiate a more comprehensive fisheries agreement with Sri Lanka, not just respond after every arrest.
V
Vikram M
I understand the fishermen's plight, but they also need to respect the IMBL. However, the Sri Lankan Navy's aggressive approach is uncalled for – arrest and then seizure of boats? It's disproportionate. A joint patrolling or a seasonal fishing pact could reduce tensions. 🧐
A
Ananya R
As someone from a coastal village near Chennai, I've seen how these arrests devastate families. This isn't just about diplomacy, it's about survival. The Centre should show more urgency, not just pass the buck to the state. 🙏
S
Sarah B
I'm Indian-American, and this story makes me sad. Both India and Sri Lanka need to adopt a humanitarian approach. Our fishermen should be released immediately – these are not criminals, they're hardworking people. The boat seizures hurt livelihoods deeply.
R
Rohit P

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