28 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan authorities

On Sunday, 28 Indian fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy personnel on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in their territory.

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

One mechanised boat and two country boats of the fishermen were also seized by the navy personnel, he 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 3 March while 29 others on 6 March and another batch four on 10 March by the Sri Lankan Navy at different locations in mid sea.

Tamil Nadu 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