Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has expressed concern over the “disturbing trend of arrests involving Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan authorities” in recent times. In a letter to Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Stalin urged immediate efforts to secure the release of six fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on Monday.
The fishermen, hailing from Ramanathapuram district, were apprehended along with their fishing boats, posing a threat to their rights and the cultural and economic fabric of Tamil fishing communities.
Stalin emphasized that these arrests not only undermine the traditional fishing rights of the Tamil community but also create fear and uncertainty among the fishing population. He called for the revival of the Joint Working Group between India and Sri Lanka, specifically focused on fisheries-related issues, to serve as a constructive platform for dialogue.
The Chief Minister urged Jaishankar to take necessary steps through diplomatic channels to convene the Joint Working Group, addressing the longstanding issues between Indian fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy and preventing the unjust arrests of innocent fishermen.