I have urged Hon'ble @PMOIndia to register GOI's disapproval in the strongest possible terms at the appropriate level and to prevail upon the Sri...

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin addressed an urgent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Union Government to register its strongest diplomatic disapproval with Colombo over the public auctioning of impounded Tamil Nadu fishing craft. Stalin emphasized that the Sri Lankan authorities possess no legal right or moral jurisdiction to confiscate and sell motorized vessels belonging to hardworking Indian fishermen who inadvertently crossed maritime boundary lines.

The Chief Minister requested the Prime Minister to prevail upon the Sri Lankan government to immediately rescind the auction notification published in local newspapers. Stalin pointed out that fishing vessels represent costly, vital livelihood assets for coastal families in Rameswaram, Nagapattinam, and neighboring districts. The arbitrary auction of these boats inflicts severe financial devastation on vulnerable communities already struggling with oceanic perils and pandemic disruptions, creating widespread resentment along the southern coastline.

Stalin urged the Centre to take proactive diplomatic measures to secure the unconditional return of all seized boats and prevent recurrent oceanic arrests. He reiterated Tamil Nadu's demand for a permanent bilateral solution that safeguards traditional fishing rights in the Palk Bay.