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India seeks early release of fishermen detained in Sri Lanka
13 Mar, 2016
Efforts are underway to ensure the early release of 20 fishermen of Thoothukudi detained in Sri Lanka on a charge of illegal fishing in Lankan waters, India’s Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Pon. Radhakrishnan said while talking to the media at the Thoothukudi airport, The Hindu newspaper reported.
The fishermen from Threspuram, a hamlet in Thoothukudi, who ventured into the sea by three country boats, were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy on March 6.
He said the Centre was keen on protecting the interests of fishermen and hence was taking swift action to secure the release of Indian fishermen whenever they were detained by the Sei Lankan Navy.
Around 1,500 fishermen, who were held in Sri Lanka and other countries on various charges, had been released after efforts were taken by the Centre.
The detention of Thoothukudi fishermen was brought to the notice of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, had also forwarded letters twice to the Centre after the fishermen were detained seeking efforts to secure their release at the earliest, he said. (Colombo Gazette)
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