A positive statement by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and a reciprocal statement coming from Sri Lanka have raised hopes among family members of fishermen held in Sri Lankan jails (“Release our fishermen...”, Jan. 13). A comprehensive solution needs to take into account local, regional issues and involve local actors. Having a friendly neighbour is in our national interest.
Arvind Devashish Toppo
New Delhi
The Sri Lankan government’s call for ‘bartering’ fishermen throws light on the island-nation’s doublespeak. The Tamil Nadu government’s cry comes across as a mere whisper as the United Progressive Alliance government continues to maintain a sphinx-like silence. Will the Indian Navy act only when fishermen from Maharashtra and Gujarat stray into Pakistani waters and get caught by our ‘all-weather’ rival?
K. Pradeep,
Chennai
