Reports: After PM Modi's push, Sri Lanka to release 5 Indian fishermen

New Delhi, Nov 11: After days of protests by fishermen in

there may be some good news! The five

who were serving a death sentence in the

jail, have been pardoned and will be released soon according to reports.

According to CNN-IBN, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa agreed to pardon and release the fishermen without any conditions.

This comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Rajapaksa and requested him to release the fishermen, who were charged with smuggling drugs.

However, Sri Lankan Minister Prabha Ganesan told the Indian High Commission officials in Colombo that in order to release the fishermen, India has to withdraw the appeal filed in the Supreme Court against the High Court verdict.

An appeal has been filed on behalf of the fishermen: MEA

If India withdraws the appeal, President Mahinda Rajapaksa would pardon the Indian fishermen awarded death for alleged drug trafficking without any pre-conditions.

Earlier on Wednesday, Nov, MEA Spokesperson Syed Akarruddin said: "I can confirm to you today that on behalf of those five fishermen an appeal in the Sri Lankan Supreme Court has been filed," he added.

Massive protests erupted in Tamil Nadu after the fishermen were given death sentence. Modi then spoke to Rajapaksa urging him to take the necessary action in this matter.

The five fishermen- Emerson, P Augustus, R Wilson, K Prasath and J Langlet - were sentenced to death by the Colombo High Court on October 30 on charges of drug trafficking.

OneIndia News