A few days after the repatriation of 53 apprehended Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan authorities, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has again complained to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the latest reported detention of 17 fishermen along with three mechanised fishing boats.
In her letter to Mr. Modi on Sunday, the Chief Minister said the fishermen in three mechanised fishing boats, who set out for fishing from Rameshwaram fishing base on Saturday and in the early hours of Sunday, were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy and taken to Thalaimannar, Sri Lanka. Eleven more fishermen, who were apprehended on June 23, were yet to be released by the Sri Lankan government.
Ms. Jayalaithaa requested Mr. Modi to ensure an “early and strong diplomatic action” to secure the immediate release of the 28 Indian fishermen along with their 41 fishing boats.
Thanks PM
Regarding the release of 46 fishermen who were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy on June 18, she also thanked the Prime Minister for his “prompt and positive response” to her June 19th letter. In response to my letter dated June 24, it is reported that 7 fishermen in 1 mechanised boat detained by the Sri Lankan Navy on June 19 have also been released.”
[The 53 fishermen were repatriated to Tamil Nadu during Friday to Sunday].
She also brought to the attention of the Prime Minister that the boats and gear of the fishermen released so far were yet to be returned to them.
Reiterating that the traditional livelihood of the fishermen should not be allowed to be disrupted by the “hostile actions of the Sri Lankan Navy,” she called for Mr. Modi’s “immediate and emphatic response” to the issue. It must be ensured that the matter was taken up at the highest levels of the Sri Lankan Government, so that “our fishermen are not repeatedly arrested and abducted in the high seas of the Palk Bay,” the Chief Minister added.
