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posted by: Niranjana VB
Last updated: July 10, 2023, 4:50 PM IST
The fishermen, who ventured to fish in two boats, were arrested on 9 July 2023 by the Lankan Navy. (image file: PTI)
Stalin wrote to the Union Minister for External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, expressing concern and fear at the arrest and confiscation of 15 fishermen among the local fishermen.
The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested as many as 15 fishermen from the state of Tamil Nadu and their boats have also been confiscated. Prime Minister MK Stalin was taken to the center on Monday and requested steps for the immediate release of the fishermen and boats.
Stalin, in a letter to the Union Minister for External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, said that the arrest of 15 fishermen and the confiscation of their fishing boats by Sri Lanka had caused anxiety and fear among the fishing community in the state.
The fishermen, who ventured to fish in two boats, were arrested on 9 July 2023 by the Lankan Navy. The lives of thousands of fishermen depend on fishing activities in the waters close to the India-Sri Lankan maritime border. They depend solely on fishing to support their families and communities.
“Unfortunately, incidents of apprehension by the Sri Lankan Navy have become painfully frequent, plunging the fishermen and their families into deep anguish and uncertainty.” The Prime Minister requested the Minister’s intervention to immediately release the arrested fishermen and secure the return of all seized fishing boats.
Through diplomatic channels, we can reach an amicable solution that respects the rights and livelihood of our fishermen while maintaining friendly bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. I eagerly await a positive response from your office.”
(This story was not edited by the News18 staff and was published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)
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