TN CM urges Centre to secure release of 17 fishermen held by Sri Lanka

Digital Desk : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urged External Affairs Minister(EAM) S Jaishankar to secure the release of 17 Tamil Nadu fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday. 

The Indian fishermen on two boats from Rameswaram were arrested near Katchatheevu by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line. They were taken to Mannar and Naval camp and investigations are still on. The boats are currently in Sri Lankan custody.

MK Stalin in his letter wrote, "I want to bring to your immediate attention to the recent incident of apprehension of 17 fishermen from Rameswaram along with their two mechanised fishing boats by the Sri Lankan Navy on 24.12.2024."

Stalin expressed his concerns over the increasing danger faced by fishermen who depend solely on fishing for their livelihood. He said that such attacks impacted the fishermen community, leaving them vulnerable and afraid for their safety. 

According to CM Stalin, 530 fishermen were arrested and 71 boats were confiscated in the year 2024. Stalin through his letter to S Jaishankar requested to take appropriate actions through diplomatic channels so that the fishermen's lives do not become precarious.