50 Indian fishermen return from Lankan jails

Chennai, Mar 10 (UNI) Fifty of the 62 Indian fishermen, who were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy, today returned to Tamil Nadu after being released by the island nation.

The fishermen, hailing from Kanniyakumari, reached Tuticorin in boats. They were received by the Fisheries department officials and their family members. Later, they were sent to their native Kanniyakumari district by a bus.

The fishermen were detained on March seven by the Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line.

Immediately, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, expressing concern over the killing and detention of fishermen, and urged him to take steps through the External Affairs Ministry for their release.

Subsequently, the Centre took up the matter with the Sri Lankan authorities, resulting in the safe release of the fishermen.

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