BackJayalalithaa writes to PM, seeks release of Tamil Nadu fishermen
The Tamil Nadu govt also complained that while Sri Lankan authorities have released fishermen captured earlier, they are yet to release their boats, fishing gear
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Chennai: Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene to secure the release of 46 Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lankan forces on Wednesday.
“It deeply pains me to have to write to you yet again, bringing to your notice two separate incidents in which 46 Indian fishermen along with 11 boats from Tamil Nadu have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan navy," Jayalalithaa said in a letter to Modi, urging his “immediate personal intervention."
One mechanized fishing boat was reported to have been sunk by the Sri Lankan Navy with the five fishermen on board having to be rescued by other fishermen. They have returned to Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, safely.
The Tamil Nadu government also complained that while Sri Lankan authorities have released fishermen captured earlier, they are yet to release their boats and fishing gear. Long periods of disuse would render the boats and equipment useless and fishermen, suffering a temporary loss of livelihood currently, would be facing a huge permanent loss.
“We have also encouraged fishermen-level talks so that a sustainable and permanent solution through bilateral talks is worked out," Jayalalithaa said. While a round of bilateral talks between fishermen from the two countries, held at Chennai on 27 January, yielded positive responses, subsequent talks held at Colombo on 12 May could not make any headway. “But we are committed to continuing the dialogue process of the stakeholders," said the press release.
“I exhort you to take immediate action through diplomatic channels to secure the release of all the 46 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu who are in Sri Lankan custody along with their 11 boats as well as the release of the earlier apprehended 23 boats which are still in Sri Lankan custody and arrange for their immediate repatriation," said the Tamil Nadu leader.
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