Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, requesting him to engage in diplomatic efforts with the Sri Lankan government to secure the release of 17 fishermen who have been detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
In his letter, Stalin highlighted the situation, stating that “three mechanized boats and 17 Tamil Nadu fishermen were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy, allegedly for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) into Sri Lankan waters.” He provided details about the registration numbers of these boats, which are IND-TN-10-MM-407, IND-TN-08-MM-214, and IND-TN-16-MM-2046.
Stalin expressed his concern over the recurring incidents of Tamil Nadu fishermen being apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy, emphasizing that these incidents have created fear and uncertainty among the fishermen in the region. He explained that due to the absence of clear demarcation and navigational challenges, fishermen sometimes unintentionally drift into Sri Lankan waters. These apprehensions have led to increased tensions, disrupted livelihoods, and economic hardships for the fishermen and their families.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister urged Jaishankar to take urgent diplomatic measures to secure the prompt release of the detained Indian fishermen. He also called upon the External Affairs Minister to work towards a lasting diplomatic solution through bilateral negotiations to bring peace to the lives of thousands of Indian fishermen.
In recent months, attacks on Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan pirates have been on the rise, partly as a consequence of the economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka.
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