In the wake of the arrest of nine Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote to the Union Minister for External Affairs on Tuesday, requesting him to take diplomatic efforts to resolve issues of Tamil Nadu fishermen.
Expressing his deep concern and disappointment regarding the continuing arrest of T.N. fishermen by the Lankan Navy, Mr. Stalin recalled his request to the Prime Minister to take up the matter with utmost importance during the visit of the President of Sri Lanka to India, a few days ago. “I had hoped that this visit would provide an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and find a lasting solution that respects the rights and livelihoods of both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen,” Mr. Stalin said.
A copy of the letter was shared with the media.
Referring to the arrest of nine TN fishermen by the Lankan Navy on Tuesday, Mr. Stalin said that “despite the high-level interactions between the two nations, the situation on the ground remains unchanged.”
The fishing communities in Tamil Nadu continued to face immense hardships due to the recurrent arrests and seizure of their boats, the CM said, and further contended that these incidents “strain bilateral relations and inflict severe socio-economic repercussions” on the affected families.
Mr. Stalin further reiterated his request to the Union Minister to take all possible diplomatic efforts to ensure the release of the apprehended fishermen, secure the return of their seized boats, and re-emphasise the significance of finding a lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the issue of fishing rights in the Palk Bay region.
CM to take part in Ramanathapuram fishers meet on August 18
Mr. Stalin will take part in a State-wide conference to be organised by fishermen associations in Ramanathapuram on August 18 that will condemn the continuous assaults upon, and apprehensions of, fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
According to an official release from Minister for Fisheries Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, the Chief Minister’s participation in the conference in Ramanathapuram followed representations from fishermen associations.
“The conference by various fishermen associations will be held in Ramanathapuram on August 18 to protect their livelihoods, to condemn the recurring incidents of assaults upon, and arrests of, Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and to demand the prevention of such incidents,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said.
Mr. Radhakrishnan referred to the arrest of the nine fishermen on Tuesday, and recalled the efforts being taken by the Chief Minister against such incidents, including writing letters and making phone calls to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar.
