MADURAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin wrote to minister of external affairs S Jaishankar on Thursday urging prompt diplomatic action to bring back the body of a fisherman and repatriate fishermen in Sri Lankan custody after a mid-sea accident in which a trawler from the state sank after being hit by a Lankan navy patrol vessel.
One fisherman died, one went missing and two were rescued by the Lankan navy.
“The loss of life of an Indian fisherman in such circumstances is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. This incident has left the fishing community devastated. I urge you to strongly take up this matter with the Sri Lankan authorities and also to expedite the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased fisherman to India,” CM said.
Apart from the loss of life there are reports of injuries to two fishermen. They are in the custody of the Sri Lankan authorities, and I request you to ensure consular access, adequate medical care and support for bringing them back to Tamil Nadu at the earliest, Stalin stated.
“The frequent intimidations by the Sri Lankan navy in our traditional fishing area has created a sense of fear and anger among our fishing community. The incident is clearly aimed at keeping the Tamil Nadu fishermen away from their traditional fishing waters of Palk Bay. We have brought this to your attention several times in the past,” Stalin wrote.
