Seven Tamil Nadu Fishermen Released from Sri Lanka Arrive in Chennai

Seven fishermen from Tamil Nadu, arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for fishing in their waters, have returned to Chennai Airport after release. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has called for further action as concerns grow over continued arrests and violence against Indian fishermen.

Seven fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy, landed at Chennai Airport on Thursday following their release. They had been arrested for fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

The fishermen, hailing from Rameshwaram and neighboring areas, were released on August 29 after interventions by the Indian central and state governments. Originally detained on July 23, they faced imprisonment after being produced in a Sri Lankan court.

On Tuesday, the Sri Lankan Navy detained another fishing boat with eight crew members off the Rameswaram coast. The vessel was part of a fleet of 430 mechanized boats. CR Senthilvel, Tamil Nadu Secretary of AITUC Fishing Workers' Association, confirmed the arrests of the eight fishermen.

CR Senthilvel expressed concerns over continued arrests and attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen, noting that 350 have been arrested this year, with two fatalities reported. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin recently urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to secure the release and repatriation of detained fishermen.

(With inputs from agencies.)