Expedite repatriation of released TN fishermen from Lanka, TN CM tells Centre
_vb_81.jpeg)
Chennai (PTI): Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday urged the Centre to take necessary steps to expedite the repatriation of Tamil Nadu fishermen released by a Sri Lankan court but languishing in Mirihana Detention Centre.
A Sri Lankan court ordered the release of nine fishermen who were apprehended by the Sri Lankan navy in January.
The Jaffna court tried a total of 12 fishermen on February 3, including three from Mandapam, who were taken into custody on December 28, 2025, and nine from Mayiladuthurai, apprehended on January 3, he said in a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Following the court proceedings, three boat drivers were sentenced to six months’ rigorous imprisonment and were each imposed a fine of Lankan rupees of 11.60 lakh, with an additional three months’ imprisonment in the event of default.
The remaining nine fishermen were ordered to be released and were subsequently transferred to the Mirihana Detention Centre on February 5. "However, they continue to remain in custody owing to delays in completing the repatriation formalities," the chief minister said in the letter.
"Given the hardships faced by the fishermen there and the distress by their families concerned, I request that urgent steps may kindly be taken to expedite the repatriation of the released fishermen at the earliest," Stalin said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
'I go to Parliament to create impact, not ruckus': Raghav Chadha rubbishes AAP's allegations
New Delhi (PTI): "I go to Parliament to create impact, not ruckus," said Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Saturday as he rejected allegations levelled against him by the Aam Aadmi Party, calling them "false" and part of a "coordinated campaign".
In a video, Chadha dismissed claims that he did not join opposition walkouts, terming the charge a "blatant lie".
He challenged his detractors to cite even a single instance where he failed to participate and said parliamentary proceedings are recorded through CCTV cameras.
Refuting another allegation that he refused to sign a motion related to the Chief Election Commissioner, Chadha said no party leader had asked him, either formally or informally, to sign it. He added that several other MPs from his party had also not signed the motion.
The MP said his focus in Parliament has been on raising public issues such as GST, income tax, air pollution in Delhi, water concerns in Punjab, public healthcare, education, railway passenger issues, menstrual health, unemployment and inflation.
Chadha said that he goes to Parliament to "create impact not ruckus" as it runs on taxpayers' money and it is his responsibility to highlight their concerns. "Every lie will be exposed," he said.
