Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Urges Diplomatic Action for Fishermen Detained by Sri Lanka

Call for Immediate Diplomatic Efforts

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, has made a request to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to initiate urgent diplomatic measures with the Sri Lankan government to secure the release of all fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy along with their boats.

Stalin highlighted that on November 3, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 31 fishermen from Nagapattinam and seized their three mechanized fishing vessels. Additionally, he noted that four fishermen from Ramanathapuram district were also captured by the neighboring country, with their traditional boats confiscated.

According to sources from the Fisheries Department, the 31 fishermen had set sail from Akkaraipettai. They were reportedly intercepted by the Sri Lankan Navy on allegations of violating maritime boundaries and were taken to the Kankesanthurai port.

In a letter to Jaishankar, Stalin expressed, “These recurring incidents have created a profound crisis among the fishing communities in Tamil Nadu, whose lives and livelihoods are intricately linked to the sea. Each incident not only deprives families of their primary means of sustenance but also instills a deep sense of fear and insecurity.” The Chief Minister further stated that a total of 114 Indian fishermen have been detained by Sri Lanka, with 247 boats seized.