12 fishermen reach Chennai after being released from Sri Lanka

Chennai (ANI): 12 Indian fishermen released from Sri Lankan jail reached Chennai on Friday.
After this, on Thursday, there was safe return of 15 fishermen from Rameshwaram, who were also arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, another group of 15 fishermen, who were earlier lodged in Sri Lankan jails, reached Chennai airport.
All the fishermen were sent to their homes with the arrangements of the Fisheries Department of the State Government.
A total of 64 fishermen were arrested in three separate arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy, from Rameshwaram and Mandapam, for alleged cross-border fishing in the month of October. Their boats and fishing nets were also taken by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The fishermen were produced before Sri Lankan courts and jailed.
Subsequently, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu wrote to the External Affairs Minister to make efforts for the release of the fishermen. Also, leaders of various political parties requested that the Central Government intervene in this matter.
Following efforts and negotiations by the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka, 63 fishermen were released.
They did not release one fisherman, because he had reportedly been caught for the second time and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka made arrangements to send the fishermen back to their places.
Another 21 fishermen are also expected to arrive in a day or two. (ANI)