CM Stalin urges Union govt. to secure release of T.N. fishermen from Sri Lankan custody
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged External Affairs Minister Dr.Jaishankar to secure the expeditious release of all the apprehended fishermen and their boats from the Sri Lanka’s authorities.
In a letter written to the External Affairs Minister, he pointed out that 47 fishermen and five fishing boats were seized today for trespassing into the Sri Lanka’s waters.
The Chief Minister pointed out that a total of 242 fishing boats and 74 fishermen from Tamil Nadu are in Sri Lankan prison.
The Chief Minister requested that the Joint Working Group between India and Sri Lanka should be revived.
In his letter to the Union Minister, Stalin urged that New Delhi take expeditious steps to revive the Joint Working Group, established to find a solution to the festering issue. As of today (October 9, 2025), 242 fishing boats and 74 fishermen are in Sri Lankan custody.
“I wish to bring to your immediate attention the apprehension of five Indian fishing boats and 47 fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy earlier today…This incident has caused significant distress within the fishing community, spreading fear and uncertainty across the coastal districts. It is pertinent to highlight that this is the first instance in 2025 where a large number of fishermen have been apprehended on a single day,” he said.
“Repeated incidents of this nature not only jeopardise the safety and livelihoods of our fishermen, but also severely undermine their morale and confidence in pursuing their traditional occupation. Given the seriousness of the situation, I earnestly request your urgent intervention to address this matter with the authorities concerned and also to secure the expeditious release of the apprehended fishermen and their boats. I also urge you to revive the Joint Working Group and take all diplomatic efforts to ensure that such incidents do not recur,” read the letter.