Chennai: Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Thursday urged PM Manmohan Singh to intervene personally and ensure the immediate release of 74 fishermen apprehended on March 19, 2014, along with their 18 boats if the second round of talks between TN and SL fishermen is to take place as scheduled.
In a strongly worded missive, the CM categorically stated that if the talks conducted between TN and SL fishermen were to be held in a conducive atmosphere, all the apprehended fishermen in SL custody should be released.
“The talks can take place as scheduled on March 25, 2014, only if all our fishermen and their boats are released before that date,” Jaya said in her letter.
The state government had earlier conveyed to the ministry of external affairs that the second round of talks between TN and SL fishermen may be held in
Colombo on March 13, 2014. The first round of talks was held on January 27, 2014 in Chennai when several agreements had been reached between fishermen from the two countries.
Pointing out that while the state government had taken such a positive and accommodative stance, it was most disconcerting to learn that SL Navy had resumed its marauding acts of assault and apprehension of innocent fishermen from TN. “I am dismayed by the report that in two separate incidents, the SL Navy has apprehended 74 fishermen on March 19,” Jayalalithaa said.
“This belligerent action has caused tremendous anxiety and agitation amongst fishermen community in Tamil Nadu,” she said.
