Sri Lanka, Feb. 23 -- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to take immediate diplomatic steps to secure the release of Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy, amid continuing tensions in the Palk Strait.

In a letter to Minister Jaishankar, Chief Minister Stalin expressed concern over the latest detention of 12 fishermen from the state and said the recurring arrests have caused severe distress to coastal communities dependent on fishing for their livelihood.

The Chief Minister pointed out that with the latest incident, the total number of Tamil Nadu fishermen currently in Sri Lankan custody has risen to 116.

He also noted that 259 fishing boats belonging to fisherm...