CM Vijay urges Centre to secure release of detained Tamil Nadu fishermen

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging the Centre to take immediate steps for the release of 20 Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by Sri Lankan authorities and 270 fishing boats seized by Sri Lanka.

In his letter dated October 5, Vijay sought Jaishankar’s special attention to the continued arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, saying the incidents have caused concern and fear among the state’s coastal fishing community.

The Chief Minister said nine fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on October 3 and their mechanised fishing boat, bearing registration number IND-TN-10-MM-0457, was seized.

Vijay said fishermen from Ramanathapuram and adjoining coastal districts have traditionally depended on fishing in the Palk Strait for their livelihood. He stressed that the seizure of fishing boats, which are the primary means of livelihood for these families, causes significant economic hardship and distress.

He urged the Centre to secure the early release of the 20 fishermen currently detained in Sri Lanka and ensure their return to Tamil Nadu. He also sought the release and return of all 270 fishing boats seized by Sri Lankan authorities.

Vijay further called for strengthening the existing India-Sri Lanka dialogue mechanism to address recurring issues faced by fishermen of both countries. He urged the Centre to appropriately reconstitute the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries and convene its meeting at the earliest to find constructive solutions to the issue.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister asked Jaishankar to immediately take up the matter with the Sri Lankan government and undertake necessary measures to secure the release of the fishermen and boats.- Ends