Chennai, Sept 14 (BPNS)
Fishermen leaders of Tamil Nadu have sought immediate intervention of Central and state governments against the arrest of 17 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy. There were earlier reports that 9 fishermen from Pudukottai district were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy and taken to Kankesenthurai Naval base for questioning.
However later Tamil Nadu police authorities revealed that 8 fishermen from Rameswaram who had gone fishing also were in the custody of the Sri Lankan navy.
Antony , a fisherman leader from Pudukottai while speaking to IANS said, “ The Sri Lankan navy have impounded three costly mechanical boats as well as taken into custody, 17 fishermen. We want the immediate intervention in the matter by the state and central governments and make their release possible.”
It may be noted that 9 fishermen from Pudukottai were taken into custody while they were fishing at Neendantheevu and taken to Sri Lankan port for questioning.
However later reports came out that eight fishermen from Ramanathapuram were also taken into custody by the Sri Lankan navy while they were fishing near Neendantheevu.
The Sri Lankan navy levelled allegations that the Indian fishermen had crossed into the International waters on the Sri Lankan side and were fishing after crossing International Marine Border Line (IMBL) when they were arrested.
Fishermen leader Jesu Raja said that the Central and state governments should help the Indian fishermen being brought back from the custody of Sri Lankan Navy.
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