Villagers protest arrest of fishermen by Lankan navy

Rameswaram (TN), March 14: Hundreds of people from coastal villages of this island staged a demonstration here today while standing in knee-deep sea water to protest the arrest of 28 fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and demanding their immediate release.

They also demanded the release of boats seized by the Lankan Navy personnel. The fishermen were arrested yesterday on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in Sri Lankan territory.

Addressing the agitators, President of the Country Boat Fishermen Association Arul claimed that the fishermen were arrested while fishing in the traditional waters and had not used any banned fishing nets.

"They have lost their livelihood due to the atrocities of Sri Lankan Navy personnel. This should be stopped", he said.

PTI