Deeply disappointed to note that the remand of our fishermen has been extended. Urge Hon'ble @DrSJaishankar to prevail upon Sri Lanka to secure...

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed deep anguish and disappointment over the extension of judicial remand for arrested Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan courts, urging External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene forcefully through diplomatic channels. Stalin called upon the Union government to exert sustained diplomatic leverage on Colombo authorities to secure the immediate release and safe repatriation of the detained fishermen and their seized mechanized vessels.

The Chief Minister highlighted that recurring mid-sea arrests, intimidations, and extended incarcerations in foreign prisons cause immense psychological trauma and financial distress to poor coastal fishing communities. Families along the Palk Bay coastline depend entirely on daily fishing operations for their basic sustenance, and the impounding of valuable trawlers deprives them of their primary livelihood assets. Stalin stressed that bilateral diplomatic mechanisms must actively protect traditional fishing rights and prevent humanitarian distress among traditional seafaring communities.

Stalin urged the Ministry of External Affairs to schedule high-level bilateral talks with Sri Lankan counterparts to find a lasting, peaceful resolution to maritime disputes. He reaffirmed that Tamil Nadu will consistently stand by its fishermen, demanding dignified treatment and unhindered maritime safety.