CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging immediate steps to secure the release of all fishermen from Tamil Nadu detained by Sri Lankan authorities.
In his letter, the Chief Minister said that ten fishermen from Ramanathapuram, who had ventured into the sea in mechanised boats, were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Recalling that the incident occurred on the eve of the Pongal festival, he said such incidents continue to cause immense hardship to the fishing community in the State.
A total of 83 fishermen and 252 fishing boats remain in Sri Lankan custody, said CM in his letter to EAM
He pointed out that, including the latest arrests, a total of 83 fishermen and 252 fishing boats remain in Sri Lankan custody. The arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen and the seizure of their boats by Sri Lankan authorities continue unabated, he added.
Appealing to the External Affairs Minister, the Chief Minister urged him to take up the matter expeditiously through appropriate diplomatic channels to prevent further apprehensions and to ensure the immediate release of all detained fishermen along with their boats so that they may reunite with their families during the Pongal festival.