The arrest of 15 Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, who confiscated their boats, was conveyed to the Centre on Monday by Chief Minister M K Stalin, who requested immediate release of the fishermen and boats.
In a letter to Union Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar, Stalin stated that the arrest of 15 fishermen and the confiscation of their fishing boats by Sri Lanka has caused distress and fear among the state’s fishing community.
The fishermen, who went fishing in two boats, were apprehended by the Lankan Navy on July 9, 2023.
Thousands of fishermen rely on fishing activities in waters near the Indo-Sri Lankan maritime boundary for a living.
They rely solely on fishing to provide for their families and communities.
“Unfortunately, incidents of apprehension by the Sri Lankan Navy have become distressingly frequent, plunging fishermen and their families into deep anguish and uncertainty.”
The Chief Minister requested the Minister’s intervention to secure the immediate release of the apprehended fishermen and the return of all seized fishing boats.
“Through diplomatic channels, we can reach an amicable resolution that respects our fishermen’s rights and livelihoods while maintaining India and Sri Lanka’s friendly bilateral relations.”
I eagerly await your office’s response.”
