25-Jun-2024 04:47 PM
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Chennai, June 25 (Reporter) Demanding the Centre to secure the release of 47 fishermen
arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy and their 166 boats, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
M.K. Stalin wrote to Union External Affairs Minister Dr S.Jaishankar urging him
to convene the Joint Working Group to prevent further arrests.
In a Demi-Official letter to Dr Jaishankar on Tuesday, Mr Stalin said "With a sense of
deep anguish, I would like to bring to your attention yet another incident of apprehension
of Tamil Nadu fishermen along with their fishing boat by the Sri Lankan Navy on
June 25."
The Sri Lankan Navy apprehended one mechanised fishing boat and ten fishermen
from Nagapattinam Fishing Harbour today, he pointed out.
Noting that in the year 2024 alone, 203 fishermen and 27 boats have been apprehended
by the Sri Lankan Navy, the Chief Minister said the frequent arrests of fishermen from
Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan authorities have created an insecure atmosphere among
the fishermen community.
"Therefore, I earnestly request your immediate intervention to convene the Joint
Working Group to prevent further arrests and secure the release of all 47 fishermen and
166 fishing boats currently in the custody of Sri Lankan authorities", he added...////...