Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has appealed for diplomatic involvement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar after the apprehension of 23 fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on February 3.
Expressing his concerns on X, Stalin articulated, "In the last couple of months, there has been a significant surge in detentions, with a distressing total of 69 fishermen detained. What exacerbates the situation is the unfair classification of three fishermen as habitual offenders, resulting in their prolonged incarceration. This predicament not only jeopardizes the livelihoods of our fishermen but also imperils their hard-earned savings as their vessels are confiscated by the Sri Lankan authorities."
He further emphasized, "It is imperative to accord priority to this issue and take resolute measures to safeguard the welfare of our fishermen, as they are not just Tamils but also proud citizens of India."
On February 3, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 23 fishermen who had set sail from the Rameswaram fishing port and confiscated two boats, alleging a violation of the International Maritime boundary.
Among the apprehended fishermen, Robert and Becker, the proprietors of the vessels, were sentenced to six months' imprisonment, while Melvin received a one-year sentence for being detained again on similar charges by a Sri Lankan Court.
In protest against the purported harassment and detentions by the Sri Lankan Navy, numerous fishermen in Tamil Nadu affixed black flags to their boats and abstained from fishing.
