Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has urgently appealed to the Indian government to secure the immediate release of 17 Tamil Nadu fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen were apprehended earlier today when their three mechanized boats allegedly crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) into Sri Lankan waters.
Stalin has addressed a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, emphasizing the critical need for immediate diplomatic efforts to secure the fishermen’s release. He pointed out that these fishermen, who depend on fishing as their primary livelihood, sometimes unintentionally drift into Sri Lankan waters due to unclear demarcation and navigational challenges.
The recurring incidents of Tamil Nadu fishermen being apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy have been a source of fear and uncertainty among the fishing community. These arrests not only escalate tensions but also disrupt the lives and cause economic hardships for the fishermen and their families.
The Chief Minister has reiterated his call for a lasting diplomatic solution to bring peace and stability to the lives of thousands of Indian fishermen affected by these incidents.