Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has expressed deep concern and frustration over the recent arrest of 35 fishermen from Ramanathapuram district by the Sri Lankan Navy, urging the central government to take decisive and immediate action. In a strongly worded letter addressed to External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, Stalin underscored the gravity of the situation, calling for swift diplomatic intervention to secure the release of the detained fishermen and the return of their seized fishing boats.
The arrest, which took place on August 9, involved the apprehension of 35 fishermen and the confiscation of four fishing boats. This incident has exacerbated the already tense and precarious situation faced by coastal communities in Tamil Nadu, particularly in areas like Ramanathapuram, where fishing is not just a livelihood but a way of life passed down through generations. Stalin’s letter reflects the mounting anxiety and fear gripping these communities as they face repeated threats from such detentions.
Stalin reminded the External Affairs Minister of a recent delegation from Tamil Nadu that included Members of Parliament and representatives from the fishermen’s community. This delegation had previously met with Jaishankar to seek the central government's intervention following the tragic loss of two fishermen. Despite this meeting, Stalin pointed out that the alarming pattern of arrests had continued, without any significant relief or respite for the affected communities. He expressed his distress over the lack of progress and the ongoing hardship being endured by the fishermen and their families.
The Chief Minister highlighted the severe psychological and financial toll that these detentions are imposing on the fishermen’s families. He noted that the constant threat of arrest and the ongoing uncertainty are not only disrupting their traditional way of life but also eroding their sense of security and stability. Stalin warned that this continued harassment was making it increasingly difficult for these communities to sustain their livelihoods and maintain their cultural and economic practices.
Stalin's letter emphasized the urgent need for stronger and more effective diplomatic measures to be pursued by the central government. He urged the Centre to prioritize the safety and security of India’s coastal communities and to take robust actions to ensure the immediate release and repatriation of the apprehended fishermen and their boats. The Chief Minister also called for a more permanent solution to be established to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future, ensuring that the livelihoods and lives of Tamil Nadu's fishermen are protected.
In his closing remarks, Stalin expressed his hope that the Centre would take this issue seriously and act with the urgency and decisiveness that the situation demands. He stressed that the well-being of these coastal communities should be of paramount importance and that the central government has a responsibility to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of the fishermen who contribute so significantly to the region’s economy and culture. Stalin’s letter is a powerful appeal for justice and protection for Tamil Nadu’s fishermen, and it underscores the critical need for immediate and effective action at the highest levels of government.
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