Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin has written a strong letter to the Union Government, urging swift and decisive action to protect tamil Nadu fishermen who continue to face harassment, arrests, and seizures by the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing near the maritime boundary.
In his letter, the chief minister expressed deep concern over the recurring incidents in which tamil fishermen are allegedly assaulted, detained, and have their boats confiscated by Sri Lankan authorities. He noted that these actions have caused immense hardship and distress to fishing communities that depend solely on the sea for their livelihood.
M.K. stalin emphasized that despite repeated diplomatic engagements and assurances, incidents have not decreased, and fishermen continue to suffer. He pointed out that many fishermen unknowingly cross maritime boundaries due to traditional fishing practices, inadequate navigational resources, and overlapping fishing zones in the Palk Strait.
The chief minister urged the Union government to:
Take up the matter seriously at the diplomatic level with Sri Lanka
Ensure the immediate release of arrested fishermen and confiscated boats
Work towards a permanent humanitarian solution that safeguards fishermen’s rights
Prevent the use of force or violence against unarmed fishermen
He also stressed that fishing is not merely an occupation but a way of life for coastal communities, and continued arrests push families into poverty, debt, and emotional trauma.
M.K. stalin reiterated tamil Nadu’s long-standing demand for a bilateral agreement that recognizes traditional fishing rights and ensures peaceful coexistence between fishermen of both nations. He called upon the Union government to act beyond routine assurances and demonstrate a firm commitment to protecting indian fishermen.
The issue of tamil Nadu fishermen being detained by sri lanka has been a persistent and sensitive diplomatic concern, drawing repeated appeals from the state government. Fishermen associations have also demanded stronger intervention, stating that fear of arrest has severely affected their ability to earn a living.
The chief minister concluded by urging the Union government to treat the matter as a humanitarian and livelihood issue, not merely a border dispute, and to take immediate steps to bring lasting relief to the affected fishing communities.
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