Chennai sources have stated that in the wake of the arrests of 12 fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking their release. Edappadi Palaniswami said "It is unfortunate that these incidents have taken place at a time when our fishermen have been hoping that a pragmatic and permanent solution to this issue would emerge, as was discussed at the meetings of the External Affairs Minister had with Tamil Nadu Ministers on March 17, and with Tamil Nadu fishermen on March 21".
When stating that the recent arrests would vitiate the “atmosphere of hope” created by these meetings, Mr. Palaniswami said, “I reiterate that the issue of apprehension of our fishermen and release of their boats be taken up at the highest diplomatic level, and that the government take necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of our fishermen.”
He had also urged the PM to personally intervene to secure
the release of 38 fishermen and 133 boats in Sri Lankan custody. Alleging
indifference on the part of the BJP government at the Centre towards continued
attacks on fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy, Tamil Maanila
Congress (TMC) leader G.K. Vasan on Sunday urged the Centre to ensure the
release of the fishermen from Sri Lankan custody.
Mr. Vasan said that “The Centre should express its concern to the Sri Lankan government to put a stop to the atrocities of the Lankan Navy,” and also added that the Centre should ensure the release of all fishermen and their boats from Sri Lankan custody.
