Jaya writes to PM on fishermen issue, seeks permanent solution

The repetition of aggressive acts by Sri Lankan side, immediately after the change in government at the Centre and the consequent reset in the relations with Sri Lanka does not seem to augur well for the peaceful pursuit of fishing in the Palk Bay by fishermen from Tamil Nadu, she contended.

“A permanent solution to this problem must be found by a decisive initiative under your leadership.”

Observing that retrieval of Katchatheevu and talks between fishermen of the two sides could also help to resolve day to day issues, she said, “Even on this limited issue, the Sri Lankan side had adopted obdurate and obstructive attitudes which led to the failure of the last round of talks held in Colombo in May 2014.”

Jayalalithaa thanked Modi for his prompt action taken on her earlier letter on June 1, which led to the release of 33 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.

“Owing to your immediate intervention, all the fishermen were promptly released without being subjected to prolonged detention,” she added.