Chennai, Nov 7 – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has appealed to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to seek a waiver of the penalty imposed by the Maldives Government and secure the swift release of 12 fishermen and their fishing vessel apprehended in the country.
In a Demi-Official letter to Dr. Jaishankar, Mr. Stalin highlighted the plight of the fishermen from Tamil Nadu who were apprehended by the Maldives National Defense Force Coast Guard on October 22. The fishing vessel, ‘HOLY SPIRIT,’ is alleged to have entered the maritime zones of the Maldives during their legitimate fishing activities in the high seas.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture of the Republic of Maldives imposed a substantial fine of MVR 42,00,000 (approximately Rs 2.25 crores) on the vessel operator on November 1. The penalty amount must be settled within 30 days from the receipt of the notice, and the vessel will be detained by the Maldives Police Force until the fine is paid.
Expressing concern, Mr. Stalin emphasized that the fine is exorbitant and beyond the means of the fishermen and their families, who rely solely on their catch for their livelihoods. He urgently requested Dr. Jaishankar’s intervention to secure the release of the fishermen and their fishing vessel, as well as a waiver of the imposed penalty.
The Chief Minister believes that prompt intervention by the External Affairs Minister can provide relief to the fishermen and their families facing an extremely difficult situation.
