Supporters of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha Jayaram have raised concerns over a picture that was carried in the Sri Lanka defence website on Friday.

The Sri Lankan defence website has published a new article on Friday titled, “How meaningful are Jayalalitha's love letters to Narendra Modi?”

The article is accompanied by a picture of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa holding a pen and writing, a thought bubble (in the shape of a heart) with PM Narendra Modi’s picture on it.

A source in the CM's office says Jayalalithaa will be briefed about the picture in poor taste.

The article by Shenali D Waduge begins by saying, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned they say and that aptly puts to context the feelings of Jayalalithaa towards Sri Lanka.”

The author says there are realities about Tamil fishermen in Sri Lankan waters that Jayalalithaa cannot ignore and her tantrums are dampening the otherwise positive outlook of the Modi-led BJP Government.

What has been further elicited is Sri Lanka’s stand on the fishermen issue. It argues that the TN CM cannot change the legality of the International Maritime Borders drawn up in 1974 and 1976 following a bilateral agreement between the two countries.

The main point of contention has always been the island of Katchatheevu, an uninhabited piece of land under Sri Lanka’s administration. Political parties in Tamil Nadu have consistently demanded that India should retrieve the island.

The article says that with Sri Lanka controlling the island, it is Tamil Nadu fishermen who are violating the IMBL and the arrest of fishermen poaching into Sri Lankan waters cannot be faulted on Sri Lanka.

With no fish on the Indian coast as a result of bottom trawling, which is in turn forcing Indian fishermen cross the maritime border, the TN government has to address the livelihood issue says the article.

The TN CM has asked PM Modi to pressurize Sri Lanka to release some boats seized recently. The author wonders if the boats may belong to Jayalalithaa or her supporters!

“Tamil Nadu Chief Minister may learn sooner than later that Narendra Modi is not a puppet to dance to her tantrums or threats. She should not attempt to embarrass Mr. Modi by her unjustified outbursts,” the article summarises.

This has obviously upset the TN CM’s supporters and have expressed their anger on the article. NDA ally PMK has condemned the controversial pictures and has demanded an apology from Lankan President and Defence Secretary. PMK has asked the centre to summon Lankan High Commissioner and condemn the act. "India shouldn't hesitate to snap diplomatic ties if they refuse to apologise. Criticism by Lankan press is tolerable. Centre should explain if this wouldn't amount to interference with India's sovereignty. The title of the article degrades Indian Prime Minister and Chief Minister, this is unacceptable," says PMK leader Ramadoss. (With inputs from The NEWS Minute)