Chennai: Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Monday requested the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take steps to secure the release of Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan authorities two days ago.
In a letter to Modi, she said, “I am constrained to write to you yet again to bring to your notice the repeated instances of apprehension of innocent Indian fishermen belonging to the coastal Districts of Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy. Nine fishermen from Pudukottai district were apprehended along with their boats by the Sri Lankan Navy on 30.1.2016 and taken to Kankesanthurai, Sri Lanka.” She said, “Based on my repeated requests and the Central Government’s efforts all Indian fishermen who were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy during 2015 were released.
However, their boats and fishing gear, which were essential for their livelihood, were not released. This causes deep frustration and despondency among the fisherfolk in the state.”
She reiterated that the Centre should ensure that the fishing boats and gear are returned in a good and refurbished condition at the earliest.
She said, “My government strongly believes that the unconstitutional Indo-Sri Lankan Agreements of 1974 and 1976 should be nullified and the traditional rights of our fishermen restored at the earliest.”
