Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin Enhances Support for Fishermen Detained by Sri Lankan Navy

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin enhanced daily financial assistance for families of fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan navy and increased relief for owners of confiscated fishing vessels. He appealed to Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to ensure representatives can meet detained fishermen and secure their release.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced an increase in daily financial assistance for families of fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan navy, from Rs 250 to Rs 350. The relief for owners of mechanised fishing vessels seized by Lankan authorities has also been increased to Rs 6 lakh, while the aid for country boat owners has doubled to Rs 2 lakh. This move follows a meeting with a delegation of fishers who highlighted the plight of the detained fishermen.

Chief Minister Stalin has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to facilitate representatives of fishermen to meet the detained Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan prisons. He urged the Central government to take steps to secure the release of 87 fishermen and 175 boats detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.

In 2022 and 2023, relief was provided to the owners of 151 boats in two installments, with Rs 6.74 crore dispensed from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund. Law Minister S Reghupathi, Fisheries Minister Anita R Radhakrishnan, and Chief Secretary Shivdas Meena were present at the event.

(With inputs from agencies.)