Chennai, Mar 17 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin has urged Minister of External Affairs
Dr S.Jaishankar to take proactive steps to convene the Joint Working Group (JWG) for securing
the early release of the Indian fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy and their fishing boats.
In a Demi-Official letter to Dr Jaishankar, he expressed concern over the repeated arrests and
urged him to take steps to secure the release of 37 Indian fishermen arrested by the Lankan Navy.
Stating that he had been writing to him about the repeated instances of apprehension of Indian
fishermen by the Sri Lankan authorities, Mr Stalin said last week he had sought the EAM's
intervention seeking immediate release of 22 fishermen and their boats.
"Yet again, it is reported that 15 fishermen including three from Tamil Nadu have been arrested
on March 15 and their boat has been seized by the Sri Lankan Navy", he pointed out.
The alarming frequency of such incidents and the consequent disruption of livelihoods have caused
considerable angst and despair among the coastal communities in the State, the Chief Minister said.
"It is extremely important to resolve this pestering issue through diplomatic channels", he reiterated
and urged him to take proactive steps to revive the JWG and also to prevail upon the Sri Lankan
authorities to release the boats of the fishermen.
"They may also be prevailed upon to secure the early release of the fishermen in Sri Lankan custody", Mr Stalin added.
UNI GV 1005