^{(File Photo - Indian Fishing boats)}

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressing deep concern about the "troubling pattern" of apprehending Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu urged the Centre to re-establish a collaborative working group and emphasised the "urgent need" for diplomatic initiatives to arrest the ongoing situation.

In a letter addressed to the External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, Stalin highlighted the recent arrest of six fishermen from Ramanathapuram district in the state, along with two fishing boats, by the Sri Lankan Navy on January 22.

He cited the concerning trend of uptake in arrests of Tamil fishermen and their subsequent detention by Sri Lankan authorities. He pointed out that these arrests not only infringe upon the traditional fishing rights of the fisherfolk community in Tamil Nadu but also contribute to a sense of fear and uncertainty among the fishing population.

To resolve these issues, he suggests the revival of the Joint Working Group between India and Sri Lanka, particularly focused on these matters, as a way forward for dialogue 

"Given these concerns, there is an urgent need for diplomatic initiatives to address the situation," he stated. "Reviving the Joint Working Group between India and Sri Lanka, with a specific focus on fisheries-related issues, could serve as a constructive platform for dialogue."

The aim is to resolve the longstanding issues between Indian fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy, preventing the unjust arrests of innocent fishermen, he added.

The frequent arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy have been a matter of concern not just for the Centre but also for the Tamil Nadu government.