Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jaylalithaa called on the Indian prime minster not to be a “mute spectator” after the Sri Lankan navy arrested another group of Indian fishermen this week.
"India cannot continue to be seen as a mute spectator as the rights of Indian fishermen are repeatedly infringed upon," said Ms Jayalalithaa, calling for the fishermen issue needs to be placed at the top of the agenda in any interaction with Sri Lanka."
"This is a livelihood issue of thousands of our fisherfolk and is taking on a huge social and political dimension," she added.
Her comments come after the arrest of 24 fishermen by Sri Lankan security forces on Monday.
"As on date, 78 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and 38 boats of fishermen belonging to Tamil Nadu are in Sri Lankan custody," she said.
The chief minister wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, calling for a “strong and sustained diplomatic initiative to resolve the vexatious issue”.