In her second letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi within a week after the arrest of fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Saturday urged him to secure the release of all 11 fishermen in the custody of the Sri Lankan authorities.

Four fishermen from Kottaipattinam fishing base of Pudukkottai district were arrested on June 2. They have been detained at Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka. She reiterated the State government’s stand that International Maritime Boundary Line with the neighbouring Island “should not be treated as a settled question.”

Observing that the Sri Lankan government’s “inhumane and cruel strategy” of delaying the release of the boats and fishing gear of fishermen was causing great loss to their livelihood, Ms. Jayalalithaa sought the immediate release of the fishermen and their gear.

The Chief Minister recalled her earlier representations and requested the Centre to sanction a comprehensive special package for deep sea fishing and infrastructure at a cost of Rs. 1,520 crore.

On May 31, Ms. Jayalalithaa had written to Mr. Modi seeking the release of seven fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. (The Hindu)