- 37 Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing maritime borders.
- MP Sudha and CM Stalin call for diplomatic intervention and legal assistance.
- The arrests highlight long-standing tensions over fishing rights between India and Sri Lanka.
The arrest of 37 Tamil Nadu fishermen on September 21 by the Sri Lankan Navy has sparked immediate concern from Indian lawmakers.
The fishermen were accused of crossing maritime borders near Neduntheevu, leading to the confiscation of their boats. MP Sudha quickly addressed the issue by writing to India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, on September 22, calling for swift action to secure their release.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Tamil Nadu Fishermen Detained by Sri Lanka
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin joined the effort on September 24, also writing to Jaishankar. Stalin not only emphasized the importance of securing the release of the detained fishermen but also urged the Indian government to prevent the imposition of fines on future arrests. He underscored the need for India to take a stronger diplomatic stance and ensure that legal support is provided to those affected. Both lawmakers are pressing for a long-term resolution to the ongoing fishing disputes.
MP Sudha, representing Mayiladuthurai, immediately stepped in, urging the Indian government to take swift diplomatic action. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Sudha called for the immediate release of the fishermen and their boats, emphasizing the need for enhanced security by the Indian Navy. He also expressed his frustrations on social media, pointing out the traditional fishing rights of both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen in the disputed waters.
Chief Minister Stalin also took up the cause, writing to Jaishankar to demand urgent action. Stalin’s letter not only called for the release of the arrested fishermen but also urged the Indian government to take preventive measures against future detentions. He stressed the importance of legal assistance for the detained fishermen and emphasized the need to protect their livelihoods against excessive fines imposed by the Sri Lankan authorities.
The arrests reflect ongoing tensions over fishing rights in the Palk Strait, where Tamil Nadu fishermen frequently operate. The issue has been a persistent challenge for both countries, with Indian fishermen often facing accusations of crossing into Sri Lankan waters. Lawmakers in India are calling for stronger diplomatic efforts to address the problem with the new Sri Lankan administration led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
This situation highlights the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions to long-standing maritime disputes between India and Sri Lanka to ensure the protection and rights of fishermen.
“We are committed to safeguarding our fishermen’s traditional rights and will take all necessary measures to resolve this issue diplomatically.” – MP Sudha
