Fishermen's issue: Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam writes to Narendra Modi

CHENNAI: Newly-appointed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take steps to secure the release of 20 Indian fishermen and 75 boats from the custody of Sri Lankan authorities.

In his first letter to Modi after assuming office, Panneerselvam referred to the arrest of total 20 fishermen by the island nation on two separate occasions last month.

He also acknowledged the efforts of jailed AIADMK chief and former chief minister J Jayalalithaa as well as the Union Government in securing the release of fishermen from Lankan jails today.

"The impending advent of the North East monsoon mandates their immediate release to prevent further damage and deterioration," the Chief Minister said.

On September 28, Jayalalithaa loyalist and Tamil Nadu Finance Minister O Panneerselvam was chosen to be the chief minister after the AIADMK supremo was convicted and sent to jail for four years in a Rs 66.65 crore disproportionate asset case.