Stalin calls for activation of diplomatic channels over fishing row

by Rukshana
Jul 12, 2024

Politicians are intensifying pressure on the central government in response to the recent arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. The maritime boundary dispute between Sri Lanka and India has escalated, with Indian fishermen resuming fishing activities within Sri Lanka’s waters after the annual fish breeding period.

Eelam Fishermen have taken to the streets, staging protests and hunger strikes, urging the Sri Lanka Navy to protect its territorial waters. Last week, a Sri Lankan Navy officer lost his life while attempting to board an Indian trawler.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urgently requesting the activation of diplomatic channels to secure the release of 13 Indian fishermen arrested this week. Additionally, three fishing boats were seized by the Sri Lankan Navy during the arrests.

Stalin emphasized the impact of these detentions on the livelihoods of the fishermen and their families. He urged a coordinated effort by the Ministry of External Affairs to address the situation promptly. Stalin’s latest appeal is not the first; he previously corresponded on June 19, 24, and 25. The Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Indian consulate in Jaffna have consistently engaged with Sri Lankan authorities on this matter.

The Sri Lankan Navy, facing scrutiny from Tamil communities, has intensified efforts to prevent Indian fishermen from encroaching on Sri Lanka’s waters. In 2024 alone, the Navy has apprehended 35 Indian trawlers and 252 fishermen engaged in poaching activities.

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Amaran - Problematic propaganda

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The genre of war epic makes its grand re-entry to Tamil cinema with director Rajkumar Periasamy’s sophomore feature film, ‘Amaran.’ As is often the case with this genre, one cannot help but feel the events of the ‘true story’ onscreen have been heavily modified for easy consumption.

 

 

 

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Official trailer for film below.

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un_spcial

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