Tamil Nadu Fishermen Arrested by Sri Lankan Navy: Annamalai Writes to Jaishankar Seeking Their Release
The repeated arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy has once again become a matter of concern. In response, Tamil Nadu BJP State President Annamalai has written a letter to Union Minister for External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging immediate action for the release of the detained fishermen.
Key Points of the Letter
In his letter, Annamalai mentioned that 17 fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the maritime boundary while fishing. He noted that 13 of them have already been released, and he expressed his gratitude to Union Minister Jaishankar for his efforts in securing their release.
However, he also pointed out that four (4) fishermen are still in custody and that the Sri Lankan court has ordered their detention until February 21. Annamalai has strongly urged the Union government to take immediate action to ensure their swift release.
The Struggles of Tamil Nadu Fishermen
Fishermen, who travel far into the sea for deep-sea fishing, often spend multiple days in the ocean. In some instances, due to the nature of their work, they may unknowingly cross maritime boundaries in search of a better catch.
The Sri Lankan Navy frequently arrests Indian fishermen, confiscates their boats, and prevents them from returning to their traditional fishing areas. This has led to severe economic and livelihood challenges for the Tamil Nadu fishing community.
Tamil Nadu Government’s Response
The Tamil Nadu government has been consistently making efforts to secure the release of the arrested fishermen. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has also written to External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, highlighting that 63 fishermen have been arrested in the past 27 days alone. Currently, 97 fishermen and 216 boats are in Sri Lankan custody.
The Tamil Nadu government has emphasized that the continuous arrests are causing significant economic distress to the fishing community. As a result, the Union government must intervene immediately and work toward a long-term solution to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Protests in Parliament
The issue has also gained attention in the Indian Parliament, where DMK MPs staged a protest in the parliamentary premises. They held placards and demanded urgent intervention by the Central government to secure the release of the fishermen and their boats.
Conclusion
To protect the rights and livelihoods of Tamil Nadu fishermen, both the Central and State governments must work together to find a permanent solution. Engaging in bilateral discussions with Sri Lanka and establishing a strong agreement to prevent recurring arrests is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian fishermen.
