In my letter to Hon'ble @DrSJaishankar, I thanked him for securing the release of 12 Tamil Nadu fishermen. I've also requested him to expedite...

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin sent a formal letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, expressing gratitude for diplomatic efforts that secured the release of twelve Tamil Nadu fishermen from Sri Lankan custody. Highlighting the plight of remaining detainees, Stalin urgently requested the Union government to expedite diplomatic interventions to secure the release of fifty-six fishermen who remain incarcerated in Sri Lankan prisons since late December 2021, and to retrieve seventy-five impounded fishing boats.

The Chief Minister emphasized that prolonged detention in overseas prisons causes extreme emotional agony and severe economic destitution for impoverished fishing families in Rameswaram, Nagapattinam, and Pudukkottai. He pointed out that mechanized and country boats represent the sole livelihood assets of these coastal workers, and leaving vessels exposed to corrosive sea conditions causes irreparable structural damage, plunging fishing families into deep debt. Stalin urged the Ministry of External Affairs to prevail upon Colombo authorities to release all seized boats promptly.

Stalin reiterated that traditional fishing rights in the Palk Bay must be defended through institutional bilateral negotiations. He assured that Tamil Nadu will consistently support its coastal communities, demanding humanitarian protection and continuous maritime security.