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Chennai: The Sri Lankan navy arrested 37 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized five of their fishing trawlers after they reportedly strayed into Sri Lankan territorial waters, according to a fisheries official in Chennai. The arrests were made during a Lankan navy operation on Saturday night.
In this month alone, Sri Lankan authorities have apprehended 10 fishing boats and 64 fishermen from Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister M K Stalin has taken the issue up with the Indian government, urging Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take immediate measures to secure the release of the detained fishermen and their fishing boats.
In a letter addressed to Jaishankar, Stalin highlighted the recent apprehension of 37 fishermen and their five fishing vessels by the Sri Lankan navy on October 28. He expressed concern about the significant distress and suffering experienced by the fishing community, emphasizing their heavy reliance on fishing for their livelihood.
Stalin further stressed that the actions of the Sri Lankan navy have placed considerable pressure on the fishermen in Tamil Nadu and have caused anxiety within their community. He urged the Government of India to assertively advocate for the rights and safety of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen.
The Chief Minister reiterated the demand to protect the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay region. Despite continuous appeals to halt the arrests and boat seizures, the Sri Lankan navy has persistently detained Indian fishermen. In his letter, Stalin called for urgent and effective diplomatic efforts to end these arrests without further delay.
