In Tamil Nadu, fishermen families in Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram rejoiced on hearing the news about the impending release of Tamil fishermen lodged in Lankan jails. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalaithaa in a statement yesterday said that central government had informed that Sri Lanka will start releasing the 275 Tamil fishermen from tomorrow. She said that as per Centre’s directions 179 Sri Lankan fishermen lodged in Tamil Nadu jails will also be released soon.

AIR correspondent reports, Tamil fishermen families in Nagapattinam and Ramanathapuram expressed their happiness on the Tamil Nadu government’s statement that Tamil fishermen lodged in Lankan jails will be released from tomorrow. With this the fishermen folks are getting ready to celebrate Pongal Tamil festival on Tuesday with joy.

The livelihood of fishermen was affected as Sri Lankan Navy apprehended Tamil fishermen when they crossed the international maritime boundary line. The fishermen resorted to strike urging the release of Tamil fishermen and withdrew their strike after assurances from Central and state governments. Now the local fishermen rest their hopes on the talks between fishermen representatives of India and Sri Lanka to be held at Chennai on 20th of this month.