Indian fishermen apprehended by Lankan navy

Pudukkottai, Nov 18(UNI) Seventeen Indian fishermen were reportedly apprehended by Sri Lankan navy when they ventured into the sea off Jagathapatnam coast in Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu.

According to Mechanised Boat Owners Welfare Association President G Ramakrishnan at Jagathapatnam, the fishermen gone put out to sea in five mechanised boats yesterday at 0700hrs. They were scheduled to return to the shore by 1000hrs today morning.

He said he had also received information from President of Niraparathi Fishermen Association at Pamban in Rameshwaram, Mr Arunachalam that all the 17 fishermen were now under the custody of Sri Lankan navy. They were secured on charge of crossing the international waters.

Mr Ramakrishnan said the Association had sent a telegram to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and other officials and pleaded with them to ensure early release of the fishermen.

When contacted, the Fisheries Department also confirmed the incident and said they had also informed the Tamil Nadu government and appealed to it to ensure early release of the fishermen.

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