CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged the Centre to engage with Sri Lankan authorities as soon as possible to find a permanent solution to the issue of attacks on Indian fishermen, most of whom are from the state, and to put in place functional mechanisms to prevent future incidents.

Stalin wrote to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday, saying that the state's fishermen are constantly threatened by Sri Lankan authorities, and that 29 fishermen remain imprisoned in the island nation.

The Sri Lankan authorities have possession of 89 boats, including fishing trawlers, and the Indian government's quick assistance is required.

"I request that you raise this issue with the Sri Lankan authorities at the highest level and initiate bilateral talks between the two countries to find a permanent solution to this long-pending vexatious issue and put in place functional mechanisms to prevent such incidents in the future," Stalin wrote in the letter. Meanwhile, the Ramanathapuram Fishermen's Association has warned to reinstate the road blockade if the area's fishermen are not released from Sri Lankan prison.

Sharing details before media, S. Jesudasan, President, Ramanathapuram Fishermen Association said :- We applaud any initiative done by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to resolve this difficult matter,"  adding that  the “Sri Lankan authorities would not budge unless the Government of India adopts severe language."We don't have any other choice except to embark on an indefinite road blockade in order to free our fellow fishermen who are currently incarcerated”.

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