Jaya urges Modi to take up fishermen issue with Lanka

Also pulls up Subramanian Swamy for his statement on the issue

Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa has urged the Prime Minister to take up the issue of arresting Indian fishermen with the highest authorities of Sri Lankan government.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, she said, “the alarmingly increasing frequency of apprehension of our fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy is a matter of utmost concern for my government. An immediate intervention at the highest level is sought to resolve this long-standing issue.”

“I urge you to take this up with the highest authorities of the Sri Lankan government and ensure the immediate release of the 15 fishermen now apprehended and all the 63 boats in their custody.”

The Lankan navy had arrested 15 fishermen on September 1-2, she stated.

On BJP leader Subramanian Swamy’s interview, Jayalalithaa said his statement had given rise to resentment and angst not only amongst the fishermen community but also amongst the entire population of Tamil Nadu.

According to her, Swamy had said that it was he who had advised the Lankan government not to release the boats of Tamil Nadu fishermen.

“I am confident that these are not the official views of your party or of the Government of India,” Jayalalithaa said.