Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has appealed to the centre to use appropriate diplomatic channels with Sri Lanka to secure the immediate release of all detained fishermen and their fishing boats. In a letter written to the External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar today, Mr. Stalin said that it is a matter of deep and continuing concern that the repeated apprehension of Tamil Nadu fishermen and the seizure of their fishing vessels by Sri Lankan authorities continue unabated. Referring to the arrest of the fishermen today, he said that a total of 254 fishing boats from Tamil Nadu and 90 fishermen, including those detained in the most recent incident, remain in Sri Lankan custody.