20-Nov-2024 04:56 PM
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Chennai, Nov 20 (Reporter) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday wrote
to External Affairs Minister Dr.S.Jaishankar urging him to take steps in tangible
manner through diplomatic channels and secure the release of 14 Indian fishermen,
including seven from Tamil Nadu, arrested by the Pakistan Navy 10 months back.
In a Demi-Official letter to Dr Jaishankar, copies of which were released to the media
here, Mr Stalin drew his attention to the plight of 14 Indian fishermen who were arrested
by the Pakistan Navy on January 3, 2024.
They had ventured for fishing from Porbandar in Gujarat and were apprehended by the
Pakistan navy along with their two mechanized fishing boats.
Among the 14 apprehended fishermen, 7 fishermen belong to Tamil Nadu, he noted.
It has been nearly 10 months since their incarceration, and there has
been no communication regarding their status or the efforts being made
towards their release.
Their families are facing severe emotional and financial distress and are struggling
to cope with the prolonged uncertainty of the arrested persons' release. Further,
the absence of the primary breadwinners of their families has made the lives of the
dependent families miserable, the Chief Minister said.
"Given the prolonged detention and the humanitarian concerns involved, I request
you to take up this matter in a tangible and meaningful manner through diplomatic
channels to secure the immediate release of all the fishermen...////...