14 fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka, Stalin tells Jaishankar; seeks action for their release

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday asked the Union External Affairs (EAM) ministry to utilize all available diplomatic channels to ensure the prompt release of all detained fishermen and their boats currently in Sri Lankan custody.

Expressing great anguish regarding the apprehension of 14 Tamil Nadu fishermen from Rameswaram along with their mechanised fishing boat by the Lankan Navy on March 6, Stalin, in his letter to EAM minister S Jaishankar, requested the Union Government to "take effective steps to ensure the prompt release of all the detained fishermen and their fishing boats currently in Sri Lankan custody. Additionally, I urge you to utilize all available diplomatic channels to prevent further apprehensions of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy."

Stating that it was the ninth incident of apprehension of TN fishermen along with their boats by the Lankan Navy in the last 2 months, the CM pointed out that as on date, 227 Tamil Nadu fishing boats and 107 fishermen were still under the custody of Sri Lankan authorities.

Alleging that the Sri Lankan authorities were detaining fishermen for longer period of time and imposing heavy fines for their release, the CM said that beyond the hardships of imprisonment, fines, and lost income during the detention period, fishermen are now facing an even greater loss of their economic livelihoods, as the Sri Lankan Government are not returning their boats which are their sole means of economic support.