Five fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested by Sri Lanka naval personnel on charges of fishing in their territorial waters on Sunday, prompting Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take steps for their release.
This is to bring to your notice yet another incident in which five fishermen of Tamil Nadu have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. I have repeatedly emphasised the importance of the Government of India undertaking a strong diplomatic offensive to uphold the rights and interests of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu. Despite my repeated appeals to the Government of India to ensure that the traditional fishing rights of the Tamil Nadu fishermen are upheld through a permanent solution to this sensitive livelihood issue, the situation at sea remains precarious with the unabated offensive actions of the Sri Lankan navy.Chennai CM Jayalalithaa’s letter to PM Narendra Modi
ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD
Jayalalithaa said at present 95 impounded fishing boats remain insecurely berthed in Sri Lanka.
She requested a “calibrated set of actions” to ensure that the Tamil Nadu fishermen are allowed to pursue their livelihood with freedom in “their traditional waters”.
(With inputs from PTI)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)