Chennai, A letter was written by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his personal intervention for release of four Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan navy, besides release of 103 boats.

In the incident, on Monday, Lankan Navy arrested four fishermen in a mechanized fishing boat, who had set sail from Jegathapattinam fishing base in Pudukkottai district, the Chief Minister said in her letter dated August 9.

Jayalalithaa further asserted that such act by Sri Lankan Navy has created anxiety and unrest among Tamil fishermen.

The CM said that, "a firm, clear, unequivocal and unambiguous message should be sent out by the Government of India to the Sri Lankan side to ensure that these apprehensions are stopped and the livelihood of the poor and innocent fishermen from Tamil Nadu who are engaged in fishing in their traditional waters is protected".

Colombo's strategy of not releasing the boats was causing great frustration amongst the fishermen of Tamil Nadu, she added.

"Without their livelihood base, these fishermen are in a state of despondency. I urge you to take this up with the highest authorities of the Sri Lankan government and ensure the immediate release of the precariously berthed boats which continue to suffer great damage," she said.

Jayalalithaa said, “The Indian Government must take necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of our fishermen. I request your personal intervention to secure the release of the fishermen and 103 fishing boats currently in Sri Lankan custody at the earliest”.

"I once again reiterate that retrieving the Katchatheevu islet and abrogation of the 1974 and 1976 agreements alone can restore the traditional fishing grounds of the Palk Bay to the Tamil Nadu fishermen," the CM said.