Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Urges S Jaishankar to Help Free Fishermen Caught by Sri Lankan Navy

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, has written a letter to the External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, asking for help to release fishermen and boats taken by the Sri Lankan Navy. In his letter, Stalin mentioned that on June 25, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy captured a fishing boat and ten fishermen from Nagapattinam Fishing Harbour.

Stalin pointed out that in 2024 alone, 203 fishermen and 27 boats have been seized by the Sri Lankan Navy. He expressed concern that these frequent arrests are causing fear and insecurity among the fishermen community.

Stalin requested Jaishankar’s immediate intervention to release 47 fishermen and 166 boats currently held by Sri Lankan authorities. He also asked for the Joint Working Group to be convened to prevent further arrests.

Earlier, on Sunday, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 22 fishermen near Nandutheevu in Sri Lankan waters. In April, 19 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were sent back to Chennai after being arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in March for crossing the border.