21 Indian Fishermen Released by Sri Lankan Navy
The Indian High Commission announced on Monday that 21 Indian fishermen, who had been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy, have been successfully repatriated and are now on their way back to India.
The High Commission shared the update on X, stating, "A group of 21 Indian fishermen has been successfully repatriated from Sri Lanka."
On December 8, the Sri Lankan Navy detained eight Indian fishermen off the coast of Ramanathapuram and confiscated two boats. The arrested fishermen were identified as Mangdu Bhatrappan (55), Reddurani Kannan (52), Chinna Reddurani Muthuraj (55), Agasthiyar Kutam Kali (50), Thangachimad Yasin (46), Jesus, Uchipuli Ramakrishnan, and Velu. They were subsequently taken to the Kangesanthurai naval camp.
The Mandapam Fishermen Association reported that the detained fishermen had set out from Mandapam and were fishing in Palk Bay when the Sri Lankan Navy alleged they had crossed the border.
The fishermen were operating near Delft Island in Palk Bay, off the northern coast of Ramanathapuram district, on December 7 when the Sri Lankan Navy arrived and seized two boats.
The Sri Lankan Navy's detention of Indian fishermen has become a significant issue for both the Tamil Nadu government and the BJP-led central administration. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has frequently addressed this matter in letters to External Affairs Minister Jaishankar.
CM Stalin earlier mentioned that the arrest of fishermen and the confiscation of their boats would cause 'significant distress and uncertainty' among coastal communities.
Chief Minister Stalin expressed concern over the detention of fishermen and the seizure of their boats, highlighting the distress and uncertainty it is causing in coastal communities. He reiterated the need for concrete and proactive measures to address the issue through diplomatic means.
In response to his letter, Jaishankar assured that proactive steps were being taken, with the Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Consulate in Jaffna working diligently and continuously to secure the prompt release of those detained.[Agency]