Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday called on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to take urgent action to secure the release of 104 Tamil Nadu fishermen and 258 boats currently held by the Sri Lankan Navy. The request comes amid rising concerns over repeated detentions of Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait.

The latest incident involved the arrest of 22 fishermen from Rameswaram on Wednesday while they were at sea, along with their fishing vessels. The CM expressed serious concern over the growing frequency of such apprehensions, highlighting the disruption to livelihoods and the distress caused to families dependent on fishing.

In his letter to the Union Minister, Stalin emphasized that the lives and earnings of Tamil Nadu’s fishing community are closely tied to the sea. He noted that delays in repatriating 12 fishermen, who were released by the Jaffna court in early February, have created economic uncertainty and anxiety among their families.

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The Chief Minister urged the Ministry of External Affairs to prioritize diplomatic interventions to ensure the immediate return of all detained fishermen. He called for enhanced engagement with Sri Lankan authorities to prevent further arrests and facilitate the safe return of boats and crew members.

Stalin stressed that long-term solutions are necessary to protect the fishing community, citing repeated confrontations with the Sri Lankan Navy as a persistent challenge. He requested that the government explore measures to ensure compliance with maritime boundaries and safeguard Indian fishermen operating in international waters.

The CM’s intervention reflects growing political and social pressure in Tamil Nadu, where fishing is a critical source of employment and sustenance. Authorities in Chennai are closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with the Union Ministry to expedite the repatriation process and prevent escalation of tensions in the maritime region.

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