Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam seeks intervention of PM Modi to free fishermen
21 Dec 2014 12:01 PM IST
Colombo to release the Tamil Nadu fishermen, but not their 81 boats
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam
Chennai: Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Saturday shot off another letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing hope that the Centre would ensure the return of 66 of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen who were in Sri Lankan custody in time for Christmas.
Mr Panneerselvam wrote to the PM a day after Colombo is learnt to have conveyed through the Indian external affairs ministry its willingness to release the Tamil Nadu fishermen, but not their 81 boats.
He said that his government, given the approaching festive season, would release 30 Lankan fishermen and their 19 boats on December 22 out of a spirit of generosity.
However, the Lankan government agreed to release the fishermen, but not their boats even after being informed about Tamil Nadu’s offer, Mr Panneerselvam said, referring to Friday’s letter from the Union ministry of external affairs, apprising him of Colombo’s decision. The decision only confirms their party leader J. Jayalalithaa’s view that the Lankan government is pursuing a sinister strategy of depriving TN fishermen and their families of their source of livelihood, Mr Panneerselvam said.
( Source : dc correspondent )
Next Story
