Palaniswami writes to PM Modi on arrest of Indian fishermen by Lankan Navy

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], Mar.21 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the arrest of 10 Indian fishermen and seizure of 129 fishing boats by the Sri Lankan Navy. Earlier in the day, ten Indian fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy when they were fishing near Katchatheevu. They were arrested on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has assured a delegation that India will continue to work for the release of all Indian boats and fishermen in Sri Lankan custody. Swaraj also conveyed to the fishermen that the government's efforts in the last two years had earlier led to the release of all boats and fishermen in Lankan custody. The fishermen, accompanied by Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan and MPs L. Ganesan and Anwar Rajha, told Swaraj about the difficulties they faced while fishing in the waters dividing India and Sri Lanka. They made a specific reference to the killing of an Indian fisherman, K. Britjo, on March 6. Britjo, 21, was shot dead in Sri Lankan waters, but Colombo insisted its Navy was not involved. Swaraj also reiterated the government's commitment for early implementation of Rs. 1500 crore package to develop deep sea fishing capacities for fishermen in Tamil Nadu and informed that initial financial allotment in his regard had been made. (ANI)