With the total number of Indian fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan navy reaching 73, as on July 7, 2016, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has once again sent a reminder to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a strong diplomatic intervention in putting an end to this issue.

In the letter to the Prime Minister, copies of which were released to the media today, the Chief Minister said that she had repeatedly stressed on “the importance of the Government of India undertaking a strong diplomatic offensive” to protect the rights of fishermen from Tamil Nadu.

Stating that the present condition “cannot be allowed to fester in this manner,” Jayalalithaa urged the centre to take strong and decisive action against Sri Lanka.
In addition to the 73 fishermen, the Sri Lankan navy also has in its custody 103 fishing boats owned by these arrested men.