Tamil Nadu CM Enlists Indian MEA’s Help to Secure Release of 12 Indian Poachers Detained in Maldives

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin wrote to India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar seeking urgent intervention to secure the release of 12 Indian fishermen and their fishing vessel 'Holy Spirit' detained by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard on 23 October for poaching in Maldivian waters. Stalin claimed the vessel was fishing legally in high seas. The Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture of Maldives imposed a fine of MVR 42,00,000 (approx Rs 2.25 crores) on 1 November, with a 30-day deadline for payment. Stalin requested a waiver of the penalty due to the fishermen's poverty. The vessel remains detained by Maldives Police Force until the fine is paid.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin wrote to India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar seeking urgent intervention to secure the release of 12 Indian fishermen and their fishing vessel 'Holy Spirit' detained by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard on 23 October for poaching in Maldivian waters. Stalin claimed the vessel was fishing legally in high seas. The Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture of Maldives imposed a fine of MVR 42,00,000 (approx Rs 2.25 crores) on 1 November, with a 30-day deadline for payment. Stalin requested a waiver of the penalty due to the fishermen's poverty. The vessel remains detained by Maldives Police Force until the fine is paid.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin wrote to India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar seeking urgent intervention to secure the release of 12 Indian fishermen and their fishing vessel 'Holy Spirit' detained by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard on 23 October for poaching in Maldivian waters. Stalin claimed the vessel was fishing legally in high seas. The Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture of Maldives imposed a fine of MVR 42,00,000 (approx Rs 2.25 crores) on 1 November, with a 30-day deadline for payment. Stalin requested a waiver of the penalty due to the fishermen's poverty. The vessel remains detained by Maldives Police Force until the fine is paid.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of fisheries / diplomacy.