Abducted fishermen to be released in a day or two from Lanka

Chennai, Nov 21 (UNI) The 22 Indian fishermen, abducted by the Sri Lankan Navy at gun point, when they were fishing in the high seas, will be released in one or two days.

According to an official press release here, this was disclosed by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi over phone this morning.

The release said the fishermen, who were fishing about one km into the Lankan area, were abducted by the Navy on suspicion. They were produced before a court and remanded in custody.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka had been taking continuous steps to secure their release and the abducted fishermen would be released in a day or two, Mr Ahmed assured Mr Karunanidhi.

It may be recalled that 22 fishermen from Jagadampattinam in Pudukottai district were abducted by the Lankan Navy a couple of days ago, following which Mr Karunanidhi took up the matter with Mr Ahmed for early release.

He also insisted the Centre to take urgent steps to ensure their release.

As a follow-up action, Mr Karunanidhi again spoke to Mr Ahmad over phone this morning, when the latter confirmed that steps were on to secure their release in one or two days.

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