28 Indian fishermen arrested in Sri Lanka

Colombo, March 13: At least 28 Indian fishermen were arrested today by Sri Lankan Navy personnel for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in Lankan waters, the fourth such detention this month.

The fishermen belonged to Pudukottai, Pamban and Tuticorin and they were taken to Kangesanthurai port, Gopinath, the Assistant Director of Fisheries Department of Tamil Nadu, said.

They were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy with assistance from the coastal guard officials, Sri Lankan officials said. Three boats of the fishermen were seized off the coast of Thavalpadu while five boats were caught near the Delft island.

The boats have been handed over to the Mannar police and fisheries officials for further action, the Navy said. This is the fourth detention of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy this month on the charge of fishing in the island nation's waters.

Eight fishermen were arrested on March 3, while 29 others on March 6 and another batch four on March 10 by the Sri Lankan Navy at different locations in mid sea.

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for appropriate actions for a permanent solution to the recurring arrests.

She had also sought the Centre's intervention for the release of all the arrested Indian fishermen and their fishing boats in the custody of Sri Lanka.

PTI