Amid rising Indo-Sri Lankan maritime frictions, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to prioritize the release of 116 detained fishermen through immediate diplomatic channels. The plea follows the arrest of 12 more from Ramanathapuram on February 22, intensifying an already volatile situation.
Sri Lankan authorities intercepted a mechanized fishing trawler from Pamban landing centre in the contested Mannar Gulf, seizing the boat belonging to local fisherman David and taking the crew into custody. This adds to the 259 Tamil Nadu vessels held by Sri Lanka, crippling the fishing sector.
Stalin’s letter vividly captures the fallout: economic devastation for coastal dependents, surging poverty, and eroded trust in bilateral ties. He described the arrests as a persistent pattern requiring sustained India-Sri Lanka engagement to avert future mishaps.
Fishermen groups are mobilizing support, pressing for comprehensive measures beyond sporadic releases. The crisis spotlights the urgent need for clearer maritime protocols in the Palk Bay.
With livelihoods at stake, Stalin’s intervention signals Tamil Nadu’s exasperation and hope in central leadership to forge a lasting peace at sea, ensuring fishermen can cast their nets without fear.