Jayalalithaa urges Manmohan to secure release of fishermen

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Friday urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take steps leading to the immediate release of the 97 Tamil Nadu fishermen in Sri Lanka’s custody along with their boats.

Of them, five fishermen have been languishing in various jails in Sri Lanka since November 29, 2011 on a fabricated case, she said. The continued imprisonment of the fishermen is causing considerable tension and ill will amongst fisherfolk along the entire coastline of Tamil Nadu. Early decisive action by the Centre is essential.