Abducted Indian fishermen return, thanks CM

Chennai, May 19: Eleven abducted Indian fishermen, who returned home yesterday after they were released reportedly by the proscribed LTTE, today met Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at the State Secretariat and thanked him for the steps taken by the government for securing their safe release.

Hailing from Kanniyakumari,the fishermen were reportedly abducted by the LTTE when they set sail from Kodimunai on March seven. They landed in two batches at Narikuzhi in Rameswaram and Thangachimadam last night.

They were brought to the city by the Q Branch police this morning. The fishermen called on the Chief Minister and profusely thanked him for securing their safe release.

Mr Karunanidhi, who had earlier announced Rs 1,500 each to the families of these missing fishermen, handed over an immediate assistance of Rs 10,000 each to the fishermen who were later taken to the ''Q'' Branch police for questioning about the identity of their abdcutors.

In all, 12 Indian fishermen, including one Simon Susa from Kerala, were reported missing since March seven when the State DGP D Mukherjee 'revealed' they were abducted by the ''Sea Tigers,'' the naval wing of the LTTE.

Meanwhile, the fate of Simon Susa remained a mystery. He was reportedly picked up at sea by a Maldivian Coast Guard vessel 'Huravee' which had intercepted a 68-foot long fishing trawler carrying suspected Sea Tigers on May 17. It may be recalled that Mr Karunanidhi informed the State Assembly recently that his government would step up efforts to secure the release of the 12 missing fishermen, including Simon of Kerala.

The alleged involvement of the Sea Tigers came to light when the 'Q' Branch Police arrested six of them from Indian fishing trawler 'Maria' and they confessed to the detention of the fishermen.

It also became known that the Sea Tigers sailing on 'Maria' were involved in the shooting and killing of five Tamil Nadu fishermen on March 29 on the high seas.

UNI