Placing emphasis on quick retrieval of fishing boats, Palaniswami, in a letter to Narendra Modi, urged him to urgently take up the issue with Sri Lankan authorities.
The boats were "perilously berthed" and are in "imminent threat of irreparable damage." he said.
When Sri Lanka committed to consider release of boats, it led to hopes. However, no decision had been taken in this regard by the island nation, he said.
Sri Lanka's strategy of not releasing the fishing boats even after the release of fishermen pushed them into poverty and deprived them of their livelihood, he said.
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The matter was "regularly highlighted" by then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, he said and added that he too had reiterated it in his previous letters.
"I have repeatedly requested you to initiate all necessary diplomatic actions to secure the early release of these fishing boats and gear."
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