Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has written a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging him to take necessary steps to secure the release of 37 fishermen and 5 fishing boats that were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. In the letter, Stalin highlighted the apprehension of the fishermen and their boats by the Sri Lankan Navy on October 28. He emphasized that the frequent arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen are causing immense distress and suffering to the community, as they are solely dependent on fishing for their livelihood. Stalin also expressed concern over the pressure and panic created among the fishermen community due to the actions of the Sri Lankan Navy. He reiterated the demand to protect the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen in the Palk Bay region. Stalin noted that in the month of October alone, 10 fishing boats and 64 fishermen from Tamil Nadu had been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. He stated that the fishermen perceive a decline in their voices being heard and called upon the Government of India to speak more vocally for their rights and safety. Stalin urged the Indian government to initiate solid diplomatic initiatives without delay to end the ongoing arrests and seizure of boats. This is not the first time Stalin has appealed for intervention in such matters. Recently, he had requested the release of 12 Tamil fishermen who were detained by the Maldivian Coast Guard.