350 fishermen held by Lanka in 2024, highest in 6 years: CM Stalin writes to MEA

CHENNAI: Underscoring that Indian fishermen apprehended by the Lankan navy authorities so far in 2024 was the highest in the last six years, involving 350 fishermen and 49 fishing boats, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urged the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the release of all those arrested and secure their boats in Sri Lankan custody.

Drawing the MEA's attention to the alarming rise in the incidents of apprehension of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan authorities, Stalin referred to the arrests of 14 fishermen from Pudukkottai District along with the seizure of their three mechanised fishing boats on September 7.

He added that in the year 2024 alone (till September 7), 350 fishermen were held and 49 fishing boats were seized by the Sri Lankan Navy.

"I urge you to take immediate and concrete diplomatic efforts to ensure the release of all the fishermen and their boats from Sri Lanka," said Stalin, in his letter to Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Citing the hefty fines imposed by the Sri Lankan courts on the fishermen which were way beyond their means to meet them, Stalin reiterated that it would inevitably lead to prolonged incarceration and resultant distress for their families.

The CM requested the MEA to intervene to secure a waiver of the hefty penalty imposed on the fishermen and initiate measures to revive the Joint Working Group, set up to resolve such issues, without any further delay.