OPS seeks Jaishankar's help on Indian fishermen issue

Chennai, April 13 (IANS) The AIADMK Coordinator and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu O.Panneerselvam on Wednesday requested External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar to secure the release of 13 fishermen arrested and jailed in Sri Lanka.

Panneerselvam in a letter to Jaishankar said 13 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by Sri Lankan navy on February 23 and the court has fixed the bail amount as Rs 1 crore each.

"This act of Sri Lankan court is upping the ante in terms of punishment to the fishermen of Tamil Nadu," Panneerselvam said.

He said the fishermen venture out into the sea fearing attacks by the Lankan Navy.

"Fixing of Rupees one crore each as the bail amount to release the arrested fishermen is adding fuel to the fire," Panneerselvam told Jaishankar.