Chennai: In a significant development concerning the arrest of tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, nine out of the 12 detained fishermen have been released by a court in Jaffna. However, three fishermen continue to remain in judicial custody, prompting immediate intervention from the tamil Nadu government.
In response, M. K. stalin has written a formal letter to the Union External Affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, urging swift diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the remaining fishermen.
Nine Fishermen Released by Jaffna Court
The Jaffna court ordered the release of nine tamil Nadu fishermen who had been detained by the Sri Lankan Navy on allegations of crossing the international Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Following the court’s decision, steps are being taken by the indian High Commission in sri lanka to facilitate their safe return to India. The release has brought relief to the families of the fishermen, who had been anxiously awaiting updates.
Three Fishermen Remain in Judicial Custody
Despite the partial relief, three fishermen have been remanded in judicial custody pending further legal proceedings. This has raised concerns within the tamil Nadu government, as prolonged detention affects not only the fishermen but also their dependent families.
Chief minister stalin emphasized the urgency of ensuring their well-being, legal assistance, and early repatriation.
CM Stalin’s Appeal to the Centre
In his letter, the chief minister requested the Union government to:
Intervene diplomatically with Sri Lankan authorities.
Ensure proper legal support through the indian High Commission.
Expedite the release and safe return of the remaining fishermen.
Take sustained measures to prevent recurring arrests.
He reiterated that protecting the livelihood and safety of tamil Nadu fishermen remains a top priority for the State government.
Long-Standing tamil Nadu–Sri Lanka Fishermen Issue
The fishermen issue between india and sri lanka has persisted for decades, particularly around the waters near Katchatheevu. tamil Nadu fishermen are often accused of crossing maritime boundaries while fishing, leading to arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy.
These incidents frequently trigger diplomatic discussions between the two nations, with the indian government seeking humanitarian consideration and the early release of detained fishermen.
Political and Public Reaction
The matter has drawn reactions from political parties and fishermen associations, who have urged the central government to take strong and consistent diplomatic measures. Families of the detained fishermen have expressed distress and appealed for immediate action.
Conclusion
While the release of nine fishermen offers temporary relief, the continued detention of three fishermen highlights the recurring nature of the cross-border fishing dispute. The tamil Nadu government, under chief minister M.K. stalin, has called for urgent intervention by the Centre to ensure their swift release and to find a lasting solution to prevent such incidents in the future.
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