Intervention sought from Centre, State for release of fishermen arrested from Sri Lanka

Chennai (IANS). Fishermen leaders from Tamil Nadu have sought immediate intervention of the Central and State governments against the arrest of 17 fishermen from the state by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Media reports claimed that nine fishermen from Pudukkottai district have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy and taken to Kankesanthurai Naval Base for questioning.

However, state police officials later revealed that eight fishermen from Rameshwaram who had gone fishing near Neduntheevu were also in the custody of the Sri Lankan Navy.

Antony, a fishermen leader from Pudukottai, told IANS: “The Sri Lankan Navy has seized three expensive mechanized boats and taken 17 fishermen into custody. We want immediate intervention of the state and central governments in the matter and their release. Want to make possible.”

Notably, nine fishermen from Pudukottai were detained while they were fishing in Nedunthivu and taken to the Sri Lankan port for questioning.

The Sri Lankan Navy alleged that the Indian fishermen had entered international waters from the Sri Lankan side and were fishing after crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) when they were arrested.

Fishermen leader Jesu Raja said the central and state governments should help Indian fishermen to free them from the custody of the Sri Lankan Navy.