Initiate diplomatic efforts with Lanka, prevent arrests of TN fishermen, Stalin tells Centre

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin urged Union External Affairs Minister (MEA) S Jaishankar on Tuesday to make immediate diplomatic efforts to prevent the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen and to secure the expeditious release of all fishermen and their boats.

In his letter to the MEA, the CM drew the Union government's attention to the increased frequency of incidents of arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan authorities, pointing out the recent apprehension of 23 Rameswaram fishermen on November 9 and 12 Nagapattinam fishermen on November 12 by the Lankan Navy seizing their fishing boats along with. Stalin requested the MEA to "take immediate diplomatic efforts to prevent the arrests of fishermen and to secure the expeditious release of all the fishermen and their fishing boats."

Pointing out that the Sri Lankan Navy's apprehension of Tamil Nadu fishermen in 2024 was the highest in the last seven years, CM Stalin said that the arrests not only disrupt their livelihoods but also cause immense distress to their families.

The chief minister highlighted that the number of Tamil Nadu fishermen apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy in 2024 has been the highest in the last seven years.

Never-ending tragic tale

•  23 Rameswaram fishermen were arrested on November 9

•  12 Nagapattinam fishermen were apprehended on November 12

•  2024 has been the highest in the last seven years when it comes to the arrest of TN fishermen and the seizure of their boats

•  462 Indian fishermen have been arrested by the Lankan Navy in 2024

•  11 Tamil Nadu fishermen have been awarded 2-year imprisonment by a Sri Lankan court for fishing across IMBL, on November 12