Chennai/UNI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday urged External Affairs Minister Dr S.Jaishankar to take steps for the release o f 12 fishermen abducted by the Sri Lankan Navy.

In a demi-official letter, he said, "I would like to draw your attention to the apprehension of 12 fishermen and three fishing boats by the Sri Lankan Navy on January 13."

The fishermen from Kottaipattinam Fishing Harbour of Pudukottai District ventured for fishing on January 13.

"While they were fishing near Neduntheevu they were taken into custody. I request you to take up the matter with the Sri Lankan Government through appropriate diplomatic channels to immediately secure the release of our fishermen and their fishing boats," he said.