Stalin writes to Jaishankar seeking the release of Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Lanka Navy
Chennai, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has once again written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging immediate diplomatic intervention for the release of Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The most recent incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, July 13, 2025, involved the apprehension of seven Rameswaram fishermen and their mechanized fishing boat near Neduntheevu. These fishermen, who had valid fishing tokens, were reportedly operating close to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) when they were seized. They have since been remanded to judicial custody in Jaffna prison.
In a separate incident on the same day, another mechanized boat from Rameswaram was reportedly struck and significantly damaged by a Sri Lankan naval vessel between Katchatheevu and Neduntheevu. Fortunately, the seven fishermen on board managed to return safely.
Chief Minister Stalin’s letter highlighted that a total of 232 Tamil Nadu fishing boats and 50 fishermen currently remain in Sri Lankan custody. He emphasized that such recurring arrests and incidents pose a serious threat to the safety and livelihoods of the fishermen and inflict considerable economic hardship and emotional distress on their families. Stalin called for urgent and effective steps to secure the release of all detained fishermen and their boats.
Fishermen associations in Rameswaram have condemned the arrests, asserting that the fishermen did not intend to violate international boundaries and are being harassed by the Sri Lankan Navy. They have appealed to both the Union and state governments for a firm stance to ensure the safety of Indian fishermen.