New Delhi [India], June 27 : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has written back to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, in response to his letter, urging him to secure the release of all fishermen apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Jaishankar, in his letter, said that the Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Consulate in Jaffna have been expeditiously and consistently taking up such cases for the early release of those detained.
"As of June 26, 34 Indian fishermen are under judicial remand of Sri Lanka, and six others are convicted and serving sentences in Sri Lankan jail. The Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Consulate in Jaffna have been expeditiously and consistently taking up such cases for the early release of those detained," Jaishankar wrote.
Jaishankar assured Stalin that the efforts to address the interests of the Indian fishing community still continue.
"After coming to office in 2014, the NDA Government has endeavoured to address the livelihood interests of our fishing community and its humanitarian aspects. These efforts continue," the EAM said.
"Their multiple dimensions, including through engaging the Government of Sri Lanka. You may be assured that we give the utmost priority to the welfare and security of Indian fishermen and will always do so," he added.
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In his letter directed to the EAM, Stalin had said, "The Sri Lankan Navy apprehended one mechanised fishing boat bearing registration number IND-TN-12-MM-5138 and ten fishermen from Nagapattinam Fishing Harbour on June 25, 2024."
He underlined that in the year 2024 alone, 203 fishermen and 27 boats have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.
"The frequent arrests of fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan authorities have created an insecure atmosphere among the fishermen community," the Tamil Nadu CM had said.
He requested Jaishankar's "immediate intervention" to secure the release of 47 fishermen and 166 fishing boats currently in the custody of Sri Lankan authorities.
The Tamil Nadu CM requested' the EAM's immediate intervention to convene the Joint Working Group to prevent further arrests and secure the release of all 47 fishermen and 166 fishing boats currently in the custody of Sri Lankan authorities.
Stalin said that such incidents disrupt the livelihood of the fishermen and instill a sense of fear and uncertainty in their entire community. The families of the fishermen had requested that the central and state governments take appropriate action to ensure timely release of the fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
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