Tamil Nadu CM Urges Diplomatic Action for Fishermen's Release

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging swift diplomatic measures to secure the release of 17 fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka. Stalin emphasized the distress caused by these detentions among coastal communities and reiterated the need for diplomatic intervention.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to facilitate the release of 17 fishermen detained by Sri Lankan authorities. In a letter, Stalin highlighted the anxiety and distress that such incidents cause among coastal communities and called for strong, proactive diplomatic measures.

The fishermen, who had set out from Rameswaram on September 28, were apprehended near Neduntheevu the following day. Stalin requested Jaishankar to ensure immediate consular and legal assistance for their release. He also reminded that this was part of a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister a day before their arrest.

Stalin's letter follows a similar plea from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who wrote to Jaishankar asking for the release of 37 Tamil fishermen from Sri Lankan custody. The issue remains a point of contention between Tamil Nadu's government and the BJP-led central government, with multiple assurances from Jaishankar of proactive efforts by Indian diplomats in Sri Lanka.

(With inputs from agencies.)