Chennai/UNI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister Dr.S.Jaishankar seeking immediate release of 45 fishermen and their 138 boats apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.

In a Demi-Official letter to Dr Jaishankar, he requested him to take necessary steps to release 45 fishermen and 138 fishing boats:

"I write this letter with a deep sense of anguish about yet another incident of apprehension of six Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on December 13, 2023," he said.

This incident is the third such occurrence in one week.

Six fishermen from Jegathapattinam fishing harbour, Pudukottai District, who ventured for fishing in a mechanized fishing boat were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy along with their fishing boat.

"The Sri Lankan Navy continues to infringe upon the traditional rights of our fishermen, and their frequent arrests have jeopardized the livelihoods of the fishermen and have instilled fear and panic in the fishing hamlets," he said.

"In addition to the above fishermen, 137 boats and 39 fishermen are still under Sri Lankan custody.

I therefore request you to take this up urgently with the Sri Lankan Government through appropriate diplomatic channels to immediately secure the release of 45 fishermen and 138 fishing boats in the custody of Sri Lankan authorities," he added.