Updated by admin on
Wednesday, October 08, 2014 08:58 PM IST
Chennai:
Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam has charged the Sri Lankan Navy of arresting stranded Indian fishermen, and urged the Centre to ensure their immediate release.
Panneerselvam on October 8, in a letter, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the immediate release of 24 fishermen who have been detained in jails in Sri Lanka and also sought the return of their 75 boats.
He referred to the arrest of four Rameswaram fishermen on October 6. He pointed out that there was a “new trend” adopted by the Lankan Navy to take into custody fishermen whose boats developed a “mechanical snag” and added this must be halted.
“This new trend of the Sri Lankan navy to arrest fishermen in boats that develop mechanical snag is a matter of concern for my government. An immediate intervention at the highest level is sought to put an end to this new trend,” Panneerselvam said in the letter.
Four fishermen of Rameswaram who ventured into the sea on October 6 drifted to Delft Island in Sri Lanka, as their boat was grounded due to a snag and they were then arrested by Sri Lankan authorities, he pointed out.
“May I request you to ask the concerned ministry to take urgent steps to secure the immediate release of 24 fishermen who are languishing in Sri Lankan jails and the release of 75 boats in Sri Lankan custody?” he said.
He stressed the need for a financial package from the Centre to improve the socio economic status of fishermen. He also sought revocation of the 1974 and 1976 agreements between India and Sri Lanka under which Katchatheevu was ceded to the island nation.
The traditional and historical fishing grounds of the Palk Bay and Katchatheevu should be restored to Tamil Nadu fishermen, he urged.
