Stalin asks MEA to get TN fishermen released via diplomatic channels

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday requested Union Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S Jaishankar to take action for the early release of fishermen and their fishing boats.

Drawing Jaishankar’s attention to the apprehension of 12 Indian fishermen along with their Puducherry based mechanized fishing boat bearing registration number IND-PY-PK-MM-978 on September 6 by the Sri Lanka navy, Stalin, in his demi-official letter written to the MEA this evening, said that as of now, 23 fishermen, including five from Mayiladuthurai apprehended yesterday, and 95 fishing boats of Tamil Nadu fishermen are still under the custody of Sri Lanka. “I request you to take up the issue through appropriate diplomatic channels to secure the early release of the fishermen and their fishing boats, ” Stalin added.

He also thanked the MEA for the support extended by him through diplomatic channels for the release of 150 Tamil Nadu fishermen apprehended by Sri Lanka over the last nine months.