Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has requested External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene diplomatically for the release of six state fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen, from Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district, were arrested for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line. Chief Minister Vijay emphasized the distress among coastal communities due to recurring arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities.
Expressing concern over the situation, Chief Minister Vijay highlighted that 54 Tamil Nadu fishermen are currently held in Sri Lankan prisons, with 264 fishing boats seized by Sri Lankan authorities. He urged immediate action from the Centre to engage with Sri Lanka through diplomatic channels for the fishermen’s release and the return of their boats. The letter to EAM Jaishankar comes amidst ongoing tensions in the Palk Strait region, underscoring the need for a lasting solution to the fishing dispute between India and Sri Lanka.
Stressing the humanitarian and livelihood impact of the arrests on fishing families in the Palk Bay region, Chief Minister Vijay reiterated the state government’s call for sensitive handling of traditional fishermen’s concerns. Despite previous bilateral discussions, the issue persists, prompting the Tamil Nadu government to seek permanent diplomatic and humanitarian measures to prevent future arrests and boat seizures.
