India asks to free Indian fisherman detained by Maldives

Chief Minister MK Stalin of Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday, has called for the release of the city's fishermen arrested for illegal fishing in Maldives' Special Economic Zone (SEZ). 

The fishing vessel was seized by the MNDF Coast Guard on the 23rd of last month.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said the boat was seized while fishing legally, after claiming to have allegedly entered Maldives' maritime zone illegally. 

He has even sent a letter to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar urging to pursue the release of the men.

In the letter, Stalin noted that the fishing vessel was fined MVR 4,200,000, adding that the authorities instructed them to pay the fine within 30 days of receiving the notice. Maldives Police Service will detain the fishermen if they do not pay the fine, he also said. 

In his letter asked the Indian government to work on ensuring the release of the fishermen and the waiver of the fines imposed.