TN taking efforts to release 3 fishermen detained by Lankan Navy

Chennai, Jan 5 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu government is taking all steps to secure the release of three fishermen, hailing from Nagapattinam, detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.

An official release here said efforts were being made through the External Affairs Ministry, Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Chennai to secure the release of three fishermen and the three boats.

It said about 740 fishermen from Nagapattinam ventured into the sea on New Year night with valid permits.

Of them 31 fishermen in six boats were detained by the Lankan Navy for fishing in the Lankan territorial waters.

Soon after receipt of the information, the government took up the matter with the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Chennai, following which 28 fishermen and three boats were released by the Navy.

They returned home with the help of Coast Guard in the wee hours of yesterday.

UNI GV AJ ST AS1839