Jayalalithaa writes to Modi over arrest of fishermen by Lanka

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that India registers its strong disapproval with Sri Lanka for arresting 82 Indian fishermen.

In a letter to Modi Saturday, the text of which was released to the media here Sunday, Jayalalithaa said the time had come to lay down a time-bound action plan to achieve a long-term and permanent solution to the problem of unprovoked attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy.

"As an immediate measure, I request you to kindly ensure that India registers the strongest disapproval of the belligerent actions of the Sri Lankan Navy," Jayalalithaa said in the letter.

She also said it was time to "put in place a strong and robust diplomatic response".

Besides, she urged Modi to have the issue taken up at the highest level on the Sri Lankan side to secure the immediate release of the 82 Indian fishermen, who were apprehended June 7 with their 18 fishing boats.

She said six boats belonging to Indian fishermen, who returned to Tamil Nadu following their release, were "still under Sri Lankan custody and it is my request that the return of these six boats may also be taken up with the Sri Lankan authorities".

"I am confident that with the government of India and the government of Tamil Nadu acting in concert, it would be possible to achieve a permanent solution to this vexatious issue," the chief minister noted.