Lankans stoop to Indians; 136 fishermen freed

New Delhi, Feb 18: Following a heavy diplomatic pressure from India, Sri Lanka announced to release 136 Indian fishermen on Friday, Feb 18.

Sources confirmed that after an official request from the Indian government, Sri Lanka judicial authorities agreed to release the detained fishermen.

The prisoners and their 25 boats are reportedly to be handed over to the Indian authorities by the Sri Lanka Navy at Kankasanthurai, in the Jaffna Peninsula by Friday evening.

Citing Sri Lanka's latest move by the Lankans, External Affairs Minister, SM Krishna has thanked his Sri Lankan counterpart, GL Peiris for all the support and help.

Previously, Krishna stated, "I have conveyed my deep regret (to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister) that Sri Lankan nationals and Sri Lankan fishermen have taken law into their own hands and confronted our fishermen."

The whole issue triggered fresh outrage between the two conutries when Sri Lankan Police arrested 24 Indian fishermen on Feb 17. The total number of detained fishermen from Tamil Nadu mounted to 136 on Thursday, Feb 17.

OneIndia News