Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to India’s Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar seeking immediate action to ensure the return of Tamil Nadu fishermen who were released by a Sri Lankan court but continue to remain in custody pending repatriation.

In his letter, Stalin referred to proceedings at the Jaffna Court involving 12 fishermen apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. The cases were heard on 3 February, 2026. Three fishermen from Mandapam had been detained on 28 December, 2025, while nine from Mayiladuthurai were apprehended on 3 January, 2026.

Following the trial, the three boat drivers were sentenced to six months’ rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs. 1.1 million each, with an additional three months’ imprisonment in default of payment.

The remaining nine fishermen were ordered to be released and transferred to the Mirihana Detention Centre on 5 February, 2026. However, Stalin pointed out that despite the release order, delays in completing repatriation formalities have resulted in them continuing to remain in custody.

He emphasised the hardships faced by the detainees and the distress caused to their families, urging that “urgent steps may kindly be taken to expedite the repatriation of the released fishermen at the earliest.”

Earlier, on 21 January, Stalin had also written to Jaishankar highlighting 'severe hardship' faced by Tamil Nadu’s coastal fishing communities due to repeated arrests. He noted that 254 fishing boats and 90 fishermen, including those detained in the most recent incident, remain in Sri Lankan custody.

Agencies