Chennai, Feb 9 (Reporter) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister of M.K. Stalin on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take necessary diplomatic efforts to secure the release of 77 Tamil Nadu fishermen and their 151 boats apprehended by the Sri Lankan authorities and renew the Joint Action Group to resolve the fishermen issue: He said there has been alarming increase of fishermen being arrested and attacked by the Lankan Navy in recent times, which affects the livelihood of the fishing community. "In the past 28 days alone, 88 fishermen and 12 boats were apprehended in six incidents", he added. In a Demi-Official letter to Mr Modi, copies of which were released to the media here, Mr Stalin said "I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the alarming increase in incidents of apprehension of Tamil fishermen and their boats by the Sri Lankan authorities." This issue severely impacts the right to livelihood of these fishermen as the communities have utilised these fishing waters for generations. There has been a significant rise in the number of arrests of Tamil fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities in the past few years except for the years affected by Covid-19 pandemic, he said. The traditional fishing waters that Tamil fishermen have relied upon for generations are getting increasingly restricted, making it difficult to sustain their livelihood impacting the economic stability of these communities. This also threatens the cultural and social fabric of the region that revolves around the fishing industry. Mr Stalin said during 2023, the Sri Lankan navy arrested 243 fishermen and seized 37 boats. However, in the past 28 days alone, 88 fishermen and 12 boats were apprehended in six incidents. "Furthermore, I want to draw your attention to the increasing instances of attacks on Tamil fishermen and damages inflicted on their boats and equipment in the seas by unidentified persons, as this has added a new layer of concern to an already precarious situation. Such acts not only endanger the lives of the fishermen but also exacerbate the economic hardships they face", he pointed out. "I had previously addressed you regarding the amendment made to the Fisheries Act by the Government of Sri Lanka in 2018, which enables the Sri Lankan Government to nationalise foreign fishing vessels", Mr Stalin said, adding, due to this action of Sri Lanka, the seized fishing boats of our fishermen that are in good condition cannot be salvaged and brought back to Tamil Nadu. Many fishermen have invested their life savings in acquiring and maintaining their boats, which are vital for their trade. The nationalisation of these boats without proper compensation or alternative arrangements results pushes the fishermen and their families into financial distress. "Therefore, I reiterate the request to urge the Government of Sri Lanka to make necessary amendments and withdraw the nationalisation of apprehended Indian fishing boats and to release the boats immediately", the Chief Minister said. He also sought Mr Modi's urgent attention to address this issue to seek a diplomatic resolution to ensure the safety and well-being of Tamil fishermen. Stating that collaborative efforts are essential to establish a framework that respects the traditional fishing rights of these communities while ensuring the security of all parties involved, Mr Stalin also urged Mr Modi to take swift and decisive action to revive the Joint Working Group set up for this purpose. "I request you to ensure that all out efforts are made to secure the release of 77 fishermen and their 151 boats from Sri Lanka", he added. "Further, I also request you to initiate diplomatic efforts to secure the release of fishermen (who were on board boats registered in Gujarat) incarcerated by the Pakistani authorities on January 3, 2024 and the four fishermen detained by Kuwait Coastal Police on December 5, 2023", he said...////...