Take steps to release TN fishermen, Stalin writes to EAM

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday urged the Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take diplomatic steps to release Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy and also release the apprehended boats.

"I wish to draw your attention to the arrest of 10 Indian fishermen and the seizure of their mechanized fishing boat on August 22, this year, by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen were from Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai districts of Tamil Nadu. This is the fifth such instance since June and these incidents continue unabated, intimidating the fishermen and hampering their livelihoods,” said Stalin, in a DO letter written to Jaishankar.

Stalin also said that as of now, 94 Tamil Nadu fishing boats are under the custody of Sri Lanka and the apprehended Tamil Nadu fishermen were released on the condition that the owner of the boat should appear before the Sri Lankan Court in person to claim the ownership of the boat, which is not feasible considering the prevailing situation in the island nation. “Therefore, exemption from personal appearance may be sought for the boat owners,” the DO letter urged.