Stalin urges Union Minister to protect TN fishermen, retrieve boats from Sri Lanka
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday wrote to Union Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar seeking his urgent intervention to safeguard Indian fishermen from the State and to ensure the return of hundreds of fishing boats apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities.
In his letter, Mr. Stalin raised serious concerns over the 'repeated instances of attacks on fishermen' by Sri Lankan nationals, particularly highlighting a recent incident on May 2, wherein 23 fishermen from coastal villages in Nagapattinam district were attacked in separate incidents at sea.
The assailants allegedly stole valuable equipment including GPS devices, mobile phones, VHF radios, ice boxes, engine parts, batteries, and even personal belongings such as gold and silver jewellery, along with approximately 470 kg of fishing nets.
'These attacks are threatening the lives and livelihoods of our fishermen,' Mr. Stalin contended, urging the Union Minister to engage with the Sri Lankan government to deter such acts and ensure the safety of Indian nationals at sea.
Mr. Stalin also expressed strong opposition to a reported recommendation by Sri Lanka's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to scuttle 34 Indian fishing boats confiscated during 2022 and 2023, under the pretext of developing artificial reefs. He warned that the destruction of these vessels would have a 'detrimental impact' on the livelihood of Tamil Nadu's fishing communities.
As of Monday, a total of 229 fishing boats belonging to Tamil Nadu fishermen remained in Sri Lankan custody. The Tamil Nadu government has submitted a proposal to the Union government for the repatriation of 12 boats already released by Sri Lankan courts, and for clearance to send 14 salvage boats along with 101 fishermen to facilitate their recovery.
'I earnestly urge you to take up these pressing issues with the Government of Sri Lanka,' Stalin said in his letter, calling for immediate diplomatic efforts to ensure the protection of Indian fishermen, halt the scuttling of boats, and facilitate the return of all confiscated vessels.
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