Chennai, Feb 18 (Reporter) Expressing deep concern over the alarming rise in the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, Chief Minister M.K.Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr.S.Jaishankar to seek diplomatic intervention for their release. He also termed as unjust, branding of three of the 69 fishermen apprehended by the Lankan Navy, as habitual offenders leading to their prolonged detention. "This situation not only threatens the livelihoods of our fishermen but also puts their hard-earned savings at risk as their boats are nationalised by the Sri Lankan Government", he added. It is crucial to prioritise this matter and take decision, he urged Mr Modi and Dr Jaishankar. In a post on X, Mr Stalin said the continuous apprehension of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy is deeply concerning. Over the past two months, there has been a sharp rise in arrests, with a staggering 69 fishermen apprehended, he pointed out. "What's more alarming is the unjust branding of three fishermen as habitual offenders, leading to their prolonged detention", he said. Mr Stalin said this situation not only threatens the livelihoods of our fishermen but also puts their hard-earned savings at risk as their boats are nationalised by the Sri Lankan Government. "On behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu, I urgently urge diplomatic intervention from Hon'ble PM Thiru Narendra Modi and Hon'ble Dr S. Jaishankar to ensure the repatriation of our fishermen and the release of their boats", the Chief Minister said. It's crucial to prioritise this matter and take decisive action to safeguard the interests of our fishermen, for they are not just Tamils, but proud Indians, he said...////...