Leader of the opposition in India’s Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, urged external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Saturday to address the arrest of 37 Tamil Nadu fishermen with the Sri Lankan authorities and secure their early release along with their boats.
Referring to the September 21 arrest of the fishermen, Gandhi said that they were small-scale fisherfolk who had attempted to rescue a Sri Lankan boat in distress when they were apprehended for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line.
“I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you regarding the arrest of 37 Tamil fishermen, and the seizure of their boats by Sri Lankan authorities on September 21, 2024. Adv. R. Sudha, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Mayiladuthurai Parliamentary Constituency, informed me that the arrested fishermen are small-scale fisherfolk operating close to the coast and that on the day of the incident, they had attempted to rescue a Sri Lankan boat in distress,” Rahul Gandhi said in the letter.
In the letter, Gandhi said that there are frequent incidents of Indian fishermen being detained by Sri Lankan authorities, facing asset seizures, and heavy fines. He condemned these actions and called for strict measures against such practices.
“I request you to kindly take up this matter with the Sri Lankan authorities and ensure the early release of the fishermen and their boats,” Gandhi said in his letter to Jaishankar.
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin had earlier informed Jaishankar about the arrests and requested intervention for the fishermen’s release.
