Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to secure the release of 14 fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. In a letter to the Prime Minister, she said that three mechanised fishing boats with 14 fishermen on board were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy and taken to Talaimannar.
Recalling her government’s efforts on encouraging bilateral fishermen-level talks to find a permanent solution to the issue, she said it is unfortunate that despite taking a positive approach and helping to facilitate bilateral level talks, the abduction of innocent fishermen from Tamil Nadu continues, unabated.
The letter also said that a permanent solution to this problem must be found through a decisive initiative by the Centre. She also added that a time-bound action plan must be put in place to achieve a long-term and permanent solution to this vexatious problem, which is affecting the livelihood of lakhs of Tamil Nadu fishermen.