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Tamil Nadu Crisis: Stalin Urges Jaishankar Amid Sri Lanka Fishermen Detentions

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking immediate diplomatic intervention. The Sri Lankan Navy recently detained 35 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu along with their fishing boats. Stalin highlighted that these incidents cause deep distress to fishing communities who depend on the sea for livelihood. The Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need to secure the release of all detained fishermen and their vessels.

Key Points: Stalin Urges Jaishankar to Secure Tamil Nadu Fishermen Release

  • 35 fishermen detained from Nagapattinam and Ramanathapuram districts
  • 247 fishing boats currently in Sri Lankan custody
  • Fishermen taken to Kankesanthurai Naval Base for inquiry
  • Separate arrests made for alleged ganja smuggling case
2 min read

CM Stalin urges EAM Jaishankar to ensure release of Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by Sri Lankan Navy

CM Stalin requests immediate diplomatic action as Sri Lankan Navy detains 35 Tamil Nadu fishermen, bringing total to 114 fishermen and 247 boats in custody.

"These recurrent incidents have caused profound distress among the fishing communities of Tamil Nadu - CM MK Stalin"

Chennai, November 3

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging him to initiate immediate diplomatic efforts with the Sri Lankan Government to secure the release of all detained fishermen from Tamil Nadu along with their fishing boats.

In his letter, Stalin brought to the Minister's attention the recent apprehension of 31 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu and their fishing boats by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Earlier today, the Sri Lankan Navy detained 31 fishermen from Nagapattinam, along with three mechanised fishing boats bearing Registration Nos. IND-TN-06-MM-1086, IND-TN-06-MM-875 and IND-TN-06-MM-7506. On the same day, in a separate incident, four fishermen from Ramanathapuram District were also apprehended along with their country craft bearing Registration No. IND-TN-09-MO-4878.

"These recurrent incidents have caused profound distress among the fishing communities of Tamil Nadu, whose lives and livelihoods are inextricably linked to the sea. Each apprehension not only deprives families of their primary means of sustenance but also instills a deep sense of fear and insecurity. As of now, 114 fishermen and 247 boats are under the custody of Sri Lankan authorities," Stalin stated in his letter.

The Chief Minister requested the Union Government to take swift diplomatic measures to ensure the immediate release of the detained fishermen and their boats.

Sri Lankan Navy arrested 35 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Karaikal for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters. The arrests included four fishermen aboard a country boat and 31 fishermen on three mechanised boats that had set sail from Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts.

The detained fishermen were taken to the Kankesanthurai Naval Base for inquiry and are expected to be handed over to Jaffna Fisheries Department officials before being produced in court. Authorities in Jaffna have stated that the arrested fishermen are believed to be residents of the Nagapattinam and Karaikal regions.

In a separate incident, Sri Lankan authorities also arrested four fishermen and seized a country boat on charges of smuggling ganja, handing them over to the Sri Lankan Police for further investigation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative by CM Stalin. But this problem keeps repeating every few months. We need a permanent solution through bilateral talks between India and Sri Lanka. The fishermen's safety should be top priority.
M
Michael C
While I sympathize with the fishermen, we must also acknowledge that crossing maritime boundaries is illegal. Both governments should work on clear demarcation and awareness programs to prevent such incidents.
K
Kavya N
114 fishermen and 247 boats still in custody? This is unacceptable! Our External Affairs Ministry should show more urgency. These are poor people who can't afford legal battles in foreign countries.
S
Sarah B
The smuggling case mentioned at the end complicates matters. While genuine fishermen should be protected, we must ensure that illegal activities are properly investigated. Hope the innocent ones are released soon.
A
Arjun K
As someone from coastal Tamil Nadu, I've seen how these arrests destroy families. The central government needs to take this more seriously. Fishermen are the backbone of our coastal economy 🎣

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