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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has demanded the release of more than 100 Indian fishermen from Sri Lankan custody, after the Sri Lanka navy once again apprehended fishermen from Tamil Nadu this week.
The group of 16 fishermen were detained on October 23, as the Sri Lankan navy accused them of “trespassing” near Katchatheevu Island, leading to a plea for intervention from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to the Indian government.
The fishermen, who set out from Rameswaram, were operating with valid permits issued by the Fisheries Department according to the Indian press. VP Sesuraja, president of the Traditional Indian Fishermen Welfare Association, condemned the arrests, highlighting the distress they cause to local communities. “It’s unfortunate that our fishermen are frequently arrested,” he said, urging both state and central authorities to intervene for their release.
In his letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Stalin expressed grave concerns over the growing frequency of these incidents.
“As I have pointed out earlier, such incidents are on the rise and cause considerable distress to the fishermen's families,” he said. “They continue unabated and are hampering the livelihoods of coastal families.”
“Therefore, I request you to initiate necessary diplomatic efforts to prevail upon the Sri Lankan Government to prevent the arrest of fishermen and to ensure the expeditious release of all the 128 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and the 199 fishing boats that are still under the custody of the Sri Lankan authorities.”
Stalin’s appeal underscores a broader issue affecting the livelihoods of Tamil Nadu’s fishing community, which has faced ongoing challenges due to aggressive behaviour of Sri Lankan authorities.
The Chief Minister wrote to the centre last month as well, expressing concern over the "alarming recurrence" of such arrests. “I have repeatedly reiterated that concrete and proactive steps must be taken to resolve this festering issue diplomatically,” he stated.
This latest incident reflects a troubling trend; in 2024 alone, the Sri Lankan Navy reportedly seized a total of 61 Indian fishing boats and apprehended around 450 fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters.
