National Desk, 10th April: Nineteen Indian fishermen, who were detained by the Sri Lankan navy for fishing in Sri Lankan waters, have finally returned home after a challenging ordeal. Arriving at Chennai Airport this morning, they marked the end of their ordeal, which began with their arrest by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The fishermen, belonging to Ramanathapuram and surrounding areas, were among a group of 21 individuals initially apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. While 19 have now been released and reunited with their families, two remain in Sri Lankan prisons.
Their release came after extensive efforts by both the central and state governments, showcasing a collaborative approach to resolving cross-border issues. The Indian embassy in Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in facilitating their repatriation, with embassy officials actively engaging with Sri Lankan authorities.
This development follows a similar incident in March, where 19 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were also arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. Their eventual release was the outcome of diplomatic negotiations and appeals from their families for swift action to bring them back home.
In response to the recent detention, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin intervened promptly, urging Union Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar to expedite the release process. The concerted efforts between Indian diplomatic channels and their Sri Lankan counterparts culminated in the successful return of the 19 fishermen to Chennai Airport.