Jayalalithaa seeks release of 5 arrested fishermen from Sri Lanka

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take immediate steps to release five fishermen who were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday. The Lankan navy arrested them on charges of fishing in their territorial waters. 

In her letter to Modi, Jayalalithaa said: "I have repeatedly emphasised the importance of the Government of India undertaking a strong diplomatic offensive to uphold the rights and interests of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu.”

"Despite my repeated appeals to the Government of India to ensure that the traditional fishing rights of the Tamil Nadu fishermen are upheld through a permanent solution to this sensitive livelihood issue, the situation at sea remains precarious with the unabated offensive actions of the Sri Lankan Navy," she stated.

Jayalalithaa said at present 95 impounded fishing boats remain insecurely berthed in Sri Lanka and were sustaining severe damage.She has further requested for a calibrated set of actions to ensure that the Tamil Nadu fishermen are allowed to pursue their livelihood with freedom in  their traditional waters."I once again call for your immediate intervention to secure the immediate release of the 34 fishermen and 95 fishing boats currently in Sri Lankan custody, including the five fishermen and their mechanised fishing boats apprehended today without any delay,” she said.