Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has urged India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic action with the Sri Lankan government to secure the release of all Indian fishermen currently in custody, along with their boats.
In his letter, Stalin said the Sri Lankan Navy had detained 31 fishermen from Nagapattinam and seized their three fishing boats on November 3. In a separate incident, four fishermen from Ramanathapuram district were also apprehended along with their country craft.
The fishermen, who had set sail from Akkaraipettai, were reportedly intercepted by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the maritime boundary and were taken to Kankesanthurai Port.
“These recurrent incidents have caused deep distress among Tamil Nadu’s fishing communities, whose livelihoods depend entirely on the sea. Each arrest not only deprives families of income but also creates fear and insecurity,” Stalin wrote.
He further noted that 114 fishermen and 247 boats are currently in Sri Lankan custody and reiterated his call for urgent diplomatic engagement to ensure their safe release.
