India using diplomatic channels with Sri Lanka to seek release of its 64 fishermen

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin on Tuesday said that India was pursuing the issue of release of 64 Indian fishermen held in captivity in Sri Lanka using diplomatic channels.

"As of today 64 Indian fishermen held in captivity in Sri Lanka. We are as usual pursuing this matter through normal diplomatic channels, as we have done in the past we will remain fixed to try and resolve this situation at the earliest as we see this as a humanitarian and a livelihood issue and we will continue to take this matter up with Sri Lankan

authorities," he said.

Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday reportedly urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and secure the release of 64 Indian fishermen who are in Sri Lankan custody.

In a letter to Modi, the chief minister said 11 Tamil Nadu fishermen on three boats were apprehended by the Sri Lankan navy on Monday night.

The fishermen set out to fish from Jegadhapattinam and Kottaipattinam fishing bases in Pudukkottai district. They were taken to Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka.

On Thursday, seven fishermen from Nagapattinam fishing base were apprehended off the east coast of Sri Lanka, while 46 other fishermen were arrested the previous day.