Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called on Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene urgently with the Sri Lankan Government for the immediate release of Indian fishermen apprehended in two consecutive incidents during the Pongal season.
In a letter addressed to Jaishankar on Wednesday, Chief Minister Stalin expressed deep concern over the repeated apprehensions of fishermen and their fishing boats by the Sri Lankan Navy. He highlighted two specific incidents: the detention of ten fishermen who set out to sea on January 13 from Nagapattinam Fishing Harbour, along with their mechanized fishing boat registered as IND-TN-06-MM-870, and the apprehension of 18 fishermen from Pamban, Ramanathapuram, on January 16, along with their two mechanized boats bearing Registration Numbers IND-TN-10-MM-2673 and IND-TN-10-MM-2677.
Stalin emphasized that these incidents have created an atmosphere of insecurity among the fishing community, whose livelihoods are solely dependent on fishing. He urged Minister Jaishankar to strongly raise the matter with the Sri Lankan Government, emphasizing the need for them to refrain from arbitrary arrests and detentions of boats. Additionally, Chief Minister Stalin stressed the importance of setting a clear timeline for the release of all boats currently under Sri Lanka’s custody.
The Chief Minister’s plea underscores the urgency of resolving the ongoing challenges faced by Indian fishermen in the region and ensuring their safety and well-being. Source: News Today
