The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin has requested the Union Minister for External Affairs, S. Jaishankar to secure the release of all fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy.
Mr. Stalin urged central government to secure the release of 87 fishermen and 175 boats in total from the custody of Sri Lanka.
On the 22nd day in July, nine fishermen were apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities. In a letter dated July 23, Mr. Stalin noted that from January until July 22 alone, a total of 250 fishermen had been nabbed by their counterparts in Sri Lanka – the highest since 2014.
“Acts of intimidation with respect to arrests of fishermen as well as confiscation of their boats and fishing gear have not abated and hence fishers are very much worried,” added Mr. Stalin.
He further called upon the Union Minister to endeavour through diplomatic channels to alleviate conditions for Indian fishermen.