Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has written a D.O. letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging urgent diplomatic intervention for the release of six fishermen from the state who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen, hailing from Rameswaram, were apprehended on the morning of May 12 after their country boat was seized for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Details of the Arrest
The detained fishermen have been identified as Alex, Antony, Santhana Alexia, Britto, Albert, and Sagaya Selvasanu. They were taken into custody near the Mannar sea region and subsequently brought to Thikkivitta harbour in Sri Lanka. Authorities later handed them over to fisheries officials in Jaffna, where legal proceedings are currently underway.
Tamil Nadu Government's Appeal
In his letter to Jaishankar, Chief Minister Vijay emphasized the need for immediate diplomatic action to ensure the safe repatriation of the fishermen and the release of their seized fishing boat. The state government has repeatedly raised concerns over such incidents, which affect the livelihoods of coastal communities in Tamil Nadu.
The Tamil Nadu government has urged the Centre to prioritize the matter and work towards a swift resolution. The fishermen's families have expressed anxiety over their prolonged detention and are seeking the intervention of both state and central authorities.
This incident is the latest in a series of arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, often leading to diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The Indian government has consistently raised the issue at various forums, calling for a humanitarian approach to resolve such disputes.
