TN CM asks Centre to ensure release of 29 arrested fishermen

February 28, 2015 01:35

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam today asked the Centre to take urgent steps for release of 29 fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy, besides releasing a financial package of Rs 1,520 crore for improving the socio-economic status of the state's fishermen.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the CM said besides arresting the fishermen yesterday, the island navy had also seized their three boats. "It is unfortunate that this incident has taken place even after the change in regime in Sri Lanka.

Nearly 10 lakh fisherfolk in Tamil Nadu depend on marine fishing as their only source of livelihood," Panneerselvam said in his letter.

Stating that a two-pronged approach was necessary to allay apprehensions of the fishermen, he said, "One is the sanction of financial package of Rs 1,520 crore and a recurring grant of Rs 10 crore per annum for maintenance dredging would go a long way in improving the socio-economic status of the fishermen."

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