Efforts on to release fishermen detained by SL Navy - Indian Minister
March 13, 2016 01:00 pm
Efforts are underway to ensure early release of 20 Indian fishermen of Thoothukudi detained in Sri Lanka on a charge of illegal fishing in Lankan waters, Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Pon. Radhakrishnan said on Saturday.
The fishermen from Threspuram, a hamlet in Thoothukudi, who ventured into the sea by three country boats, were detained by the 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 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.
Source: The Hindu
-Agencies
