Stalin writes to MEA for release of fishers from Pakistan
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Union Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar, urging the Centre to expedite efforts to secure the release of 14 Indian fishermen detained by the Pakistan Navy earlier this year. Among the detained fishermen, seven are from Tamil Nadu.
The fishermen were arrested on January 3, 2024, after venturing out for fishing from Porbandar, Gujarat. Their mechanised fishing boats were also seized by the Pakistan Navy.
In his letter, Stalin expressed concern over the nearly 10-month-long detention, highlighting the emotional and financial strain on the families of the arrested fishermen. He emphasised that the absence of the breadwinners has left their families in dire straits.
“Given the prolonged detention and the humanitarian concerns involved, I request you to take up this matter in a tangible and meaningful manner through diplomatic channels to secure the immediate release of all fishermen,” Stalin wrote.
The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to ensure the release of the seized fishing boats, which are crucial for the livelihoods of the fishermen and their families.
Recently, Stalin has called on Jaishankar to take urgent diplomatic measures to address the escalating arrests of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities. The Chief Minister expressed concern over the increasing frequency of such incidents, noting that the year 2024 has witnessed the highest number of arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy in seven years.
The Tamil Nadu government has consistently raised this issue, advocating for the protection of the state’s fishing community, whose members often venture into disputed waters in search of livelihood.