Chennai, Sep 9 (Reporter) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday wrote to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar requesting him to ensure release of all the fishermen and boats in Sri Lankan custody, secure a waiver of the hefty penalty imposed on the fishermen and to initiate measures to revive the Joint Working Group (JWG). In a Demi-Official letter to Dr Jaishankar, copies of which were released to the media here, he drew his attention to the alarming rise in the incidents of apprehension of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan authorities. He said on September 7, 14 fishermen from Pudukkottai district along with their three mechanized fishing boats were taken into custody by the Sri Lankan Navy. In the year 2024 alone (till September 7), 350 fishermen and 49 fishing boats have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy, which is the highest in the last six years. The Sri Lankan courts are also imposing hefty fines on the fishermen which are way beyond their means, he said. Mr Stalin said he had in his previous letter, had already mentioned that this will inevitably lead to prolonged incarceration and resultant distress for their families. "I therefore urge you to take immediate and concrete diplomatic efforts to ensure the release of all the fishermen and boats in Sri Lankan custody. I also request your intervention to secure a waiver of the hefty penalty imposed on the fishermen and also to initiate measures to revive the Joint Working Group without any further delay", he added...////...