3 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan coast guard

Colombo, March 24: At least three Indian fishermen have been arrested by Sri Lankan coast guard for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in Lankan waters, the fifth such detention this month.

They were arrested yesterday in north west of Jaffna's delft islet. They have now been brought to Kankesanturai and will be handed over to Fisheries and Water Resources officials there, Sri Lanka Navy said.

They were arrested by the Coastal Guard officials with the assistance of the Navy. This is the fifth detention of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy this month on the charge of fishing in the island nation's waters.

At least 28 Indian fishermen were arrested on March 13. 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.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking 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