MK Stalin writes to Centre over heavy fines on fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene and stop Sri Lanka from imposing heavy fines on arrested fishermen.

In Short

• 37 Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by Sri Lankan Navy
• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin seeks intervention from External Affairs Minister
• Stalin requests halt on heavy fines and legal aid for fishermen

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has called upon External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene and address the hefty fines being imposed on Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Last week, 37 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy, along with three mechanised boats.

Chief Minister Stalin expressed concern over the increasing instances of fishermen being arrested while fishing in traditional waters. “Sri Lankan courts are imposing penalties that are beyond the means of these fishermen. Strong measures must be taken to prevent the Sri Lankan authorities from detaining fishermen and seizing their boats,” the Chief Minister stated.

In a letter, Stalin requested that the External Affairs Minister press the Sri Lankan government to halt the imposition of heavy fines on the fishermen and provide them with necessary legal assistance. He also urged swift action to secure the release of the arrested fishermen and their boats.

Meanwhile, five more fishermen from Kanniyakumari were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Border, with their boat also being seized.