Sri Lankan Navy arrested 27 fishermen from Tamil Nadu

Chennai (IANS). The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 27 fishermen from Rameshwaram and Thangachimadam, while also seizing five mechanical boats of the fishermen.

At least 23 fishermen in four boats entered the sea from Rameshwaram Ghat and four fishermen in one boat entered the sea from Thangachimadam.

Coastal police officials said the arrested people were fishing near Katchatheevu and Neduntheevu. The fishermen and their boats were taken to Mannar and Kankesanthurai ports in Sri Lanka.

Fishermen from Rameshwaram have called for an indefinite strike from Sunday, and also condemned the arrest of the fishermen.

In another incident, fishermen from Thangachimadam said that four of their fellow fishermen Sesu Michael Raj, Murugan, Sekar and another person had gone fishing on October 13. They have not returned yet.

Coastal police have informed that the missing fishermen have been taken into custody by the Sri Lankan Navy. Fishermen leader Jesu Raja told media persons that he has appealed to both the state and central governments to immediately intervene in the issue and make efforts for the release of the arrested fishermen.

According to media reports, an emergency meeting of all fishermen associations was also called on Sunday.