Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday called on Indian Prime Minister Norendal Modi to send a “firm, clear and unambiguous message” to the Sri Lankan government following further arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy.
"A firm, clear and unambiguous message should be sent out by the Centre to Lanka to ensure that this trend needs to be reversed and that the Centre is firmly committed to protect the livelihood of the poor and innocent fishermen from Tamil Nadu engaged in fishing in their traditional waters of the Palk Bay," said Mr Panneerselvam.
“It is unfortunate that the apprehension of fishermen of Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy, while pursuing their traditional avocation of fishing, continues unabated despite Indo-Sri Lankan fishermen level talks and the Inter-Ministerial talks being held from time to time."
In his letter to the prime minister, he demanded the immediate release of 22 fishermen and 109 boats from Sri Lankan custody.
His call comes as the Sri Lankan navy arrested a further seven fishermen from Tamil Nadu on Monday. They have since been held in custody in Jaffna.
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