Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene diplomatically for the release of Tamil Nadu fishermen held by the Sri Lankan Navy. The recent detention of 12 fishermen has raised the total number of Tamil Nadu fishermen in Sri Lankan custody to 116, with 259 fishing boats also impounded. The Chief Minister highlighted the distress faced by coastal communities dependent on fishing for their livelihoods.
Stalin emphasized the urgent need for sustained diplomatic efforts between India and Sri Lanka to prevent further detentions and ensure the safety of Indian fishermen. Despite previous representations by the state government, incidents of arrests by Sri Lankan authorities continue, causing fear and financial hardship among affected families. The ongoing impounding of fishing boats has exacerbated economic challenges for fishermen and their dependents.
The latest detention occurred when a fishing boat from Ramanathapuram district was intercepted by the Sri Lankan Navy in the Gulf of Mannar. The detained fishermen, along with their boat, were apprehended during their fishing activities. The repeated detentions, according to Stalin, have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among coastal communities, impacting their daily lives and financial stability.
Fishermen associations in Pamban have urged both state and Union governments to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure the release of detained fishermen and prevent future incidents. The issue of cross-border fishing disputes in the Palk Strait has been a longstanding source of tension between India and Sri Lanka, affecting bilateral relations and the livelihoods of numerous fishermen from Tamil Nadu.
