Chennai: National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon plans to take up with the Sri Lankan government the issue of release of five fishermen arrested by the island nation`s navy and lodged in a jail in Colombo, Tamil Nadu Congress chief BS Gnanadesikan said on Wednesday. The NSA would take up the issue with the Rajapakse government again, he said in a statement, quoting Menon.
Gnanadesikan said representatives of the Tamil Nadu Sea Coast Motor Boat Fishermen Welfare Association had recently met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Menon in Chennai and presented a petition on the hardships they face in mid-sea.
During the interaction, Menon dwelt on the efforts taken by India, including appointment of an advocate for the fishermen. He also accepted a proposal to appoint a one-member committee to address issues faced by the fisher folk during emergencies.
"An official will soon be appointed to exclusively address issues faced by Indian fishermen, which will hopefully put an end to all the difficulties faced by them," Gnanadesikan said. The five were arrested by Sri Lankan naval personnel on November 28, questioned for alleged possession of drugs and later lodged in prison.
PTI