M.K. Stalin asked External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to work through diplomatic channels to secure the release of 56 fishermen and their 75 boats from Sri Lankan custody.<\/a><\/p>\n In a Demi-Official letter to Dr Jaishankar, he thanked him for securing the release of 12 fishermen and said in view of the ensuing Pongal festival beginning on January 13, no effort be spared to ensure that the remaining 56 fishermen are released so that they can reunite with their families for the traditional Tamil festival.<\/p>\n He wrote, “I request you to prevail upon the Sri Lankan Government through appropriate diplomatic channels and secure their release”.<\/p>\n He also expressed his gratitude to the Union Government for securing the release of 12 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, Mr Stalin said there are 56 fishermen from the State who are still languishing in Sri Lankan prisons since December 19 and 20, 2021. “It is requested that concerted efforts be taken to expedite their release and safe passage to India”, he said, adding, “Further, 75 fishing boats belonging to the Tamil Nadu fishermen are still in Sri Lankan custody that needs to be urgently retrieved considering that they are essential for their livelihood.”<\/p>\n