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Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Urges Jaishankar to Secure Release of 6 Fishermen Detained by Sri Lanka

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, seeking immediate diplomatic action for the release of six Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lankan authorities. The fishermen from Mandapam were arrested on May 12 for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Vijay identified the detainees as Alex, Anthoni Rajan, Santhana Alocias, Arul They Britto, Albert, and Sahaya Selvashanu. The CM also highlighted that 54 Indian fishermen remain in Sri Lankan prisons and 264 boats have been impounded.

Key Points: TN CM Vijay Seeks Release of Fishermen Detained in Sri Lanka

  • Tamil Nadu CM Vijay writes to EAM Jaishankar
  • Six fishermen from Mandapam detained by Sri Lankan Navy
  • Fishermen arrested for allegedly crossing IMBL
  • 54 Indian fishermen already in Sri Lankan prisons, 264 boats impounded
2 min read

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay writes to EAM Jaishankar seeks early release of Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka

Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay writes to EAM S Jaishankar, urging diplomatic action for the release of six Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lankan Navy on May 12.

"I request you to take up the matter with the Sri Lankan Authorities through appropriate diplomatic channels to secure the release of the detained fishermen and their Boats at the earliest. - C Joseph Vijay"

Chennai, May 12

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging immediate diplomatic action for the release of Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lankan authorities.

In his letter, Vijay highlighted the arrest of six fishermen from Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district by the Sri Lankan Navy on May 12. He stated that the fishermen had set out for fishing on May 10 and were detained along with their boat for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

The Chief Minister identified the detained fishermen as Alex, Anthoni Rajan, Santhana Alocias, Arul They Britto, Albert, and Sahaya Selvashanu.

In the letter, Vijay wrote, "I wish to draw your attention to the arrest of six fishermen belonging to Mandapam in Ramanathapuram District by the Sri Lankan Navy today (12.05.2026). -2- The fishermen ventured for fishing on 10.05.2026 from Mandapam in Ramanathapuram District and were arrested along with their fishing boat for allegedly crossing IMBL. The six fishermen are Tvl.Alex, Anthoni Rajan, Santhana Alocias, Arul They Britto, Albert and Sahaya Selvashanu."

He further noted that 54 Indian fishermen are currently lodged in Sri Lankan prisons, while 264 fishing boats have been impounded by Sri Lankan authorities.

Vijay urged the External Affairs Minister to use all available diplomatic channels to secure the early release of the detained fishermen and their boats, stressing the need for their safe repatriation.

"It is also brought to notice that, 54 fishermen are already in Sri Lankan Prison and 264 boats have been impounded by the Sri Lankan authorities. In this regard, I request you to take up the matter with the Sri Lankan Authorities through appropriate diplomatic channels to secure the release of the detained fishermen and their Boats at the earliest," the letter read.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Pooja D
264 boats impounded is a huge number. These are the livelihoods of entire families in Ramanathapuram. The government must act fast. What is the point of having a strong navy if we can't protect our own civilians?
A
Arun Y
With due respect to CM Vijay, this is a routine issue that keeps happening every year. Instead of just writing letters, the central and state governments should sit together and find a long-term solution. The IMBL needs a better mechanism.
S
Sneha F
It's heartbreaking to see 54 fishermen already in Sri Lankan prisons and now 6 more arrested. These are simple hardworking people who just want to earn a living. Hope Jaishankar ji takes immediate action! 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V
It's good that the CM is proactive. But why does this keep happening? The Indian Coast Guard and other agencies should patrol these waters more effectively to prevent our fishermen from straying, or the government should negotiate a clear fishing boundary.

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