Five TN fishermen arrested by Lankan Navy

A after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal intervention to take diplomatic measures for the release of Indian fishermen, who are in Sri Lankan custody, five fishermen were arrested by the Lankan navy on Sunday on the charges of International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) violation.

 

Fisheries department sources here said that fishermen from Rameswaram ventured into the sea in the morning and they were involved in deep sea fishing. Sri Lankan navy
intercepted their boat and arrested five fishermen. They were taken to Kangesanthurai port in Sri Lanka.

A few days back, five fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were arrested by the Lankan authorities, were lodged in Sri Lankan jail. During the last one month, more than 30 fishermen from the State were held by Lankan Navy

 

On Saturday, Palaniswami asked Modi to take up fishermen issue urgently with the concerned authorities in Sri Lanka and arrange for an early release of the 28 fishermen and 138 boats, which were currently in Sri Lankan custody.

 

He said things have come to such a pass that fishermen were unable to access their traditional fishing waters for fear of being abducted or attacked by the Lankan Navy.

 

Palaniswami said fishing boats are perilously berthed and are in imminent threat of irreparable damage due to long periods of disuse and the onslaught of the monsoon.