Modi requests PM for security to Gujarat sailors

Raising concerns over Somali pirates holding hostage several Gujarati sailors, Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to ensure their safe release.

In a letter to Singh, Modi said that Somali pirates hijacked seven boats, which are missing since last week, with 97 Gujarati sailors onboard.

Modi said Indian Navy and Coast Guard authorities should be directed to provide security to the sailors from Gujarat.

He also requested the Centre to make security arrangements of Gujarati sailors who often become targets of pirates in the mid sea.

"In the past also, several such incidents have taken place where sailors from Gujarat suffered at the hands of the pirates. The central government should direct the director general of shipping to make adequate arrangements to see that no such incident takes place in future," Modi wrote.

The letter said a number of small traders from the state export agriculture-based products to Somalia and other African countries and the Centre should provide adequate security cover to these traders and exporters.