Kin seek early release of fishermen from Saudi, Iran

The grief-stricken families along with representatives of South Asian Fishermen Fraternity (SAFF) approached the Kanniyakumari Collectorate on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum to Collector Prashant M Wadnere in this regard.

They have also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Ambassadors of India in Iran and Saudi Arabia to take steps towards their immediate release and repatriation to India.

According to Fr. Churchill, general secretary, SAFF, J Sahaya Peter (45) of Colachel, C Amutham Carmel alias Sudharson (43) of Pozhikarai, and S Christhadimai (23) of Kollencode, are currently lodged in a prison in Iran.

Four other fishermen, identified as S Sebaskar (27) of Kodimunai, B Sahaya Kabilan (24) of Kottilpadu, Sathees Kumar and Thilak Raja of Kottaipattanam, Pudukkottai district, have been detained in Dammam (Saudi Arabia).