Five Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka Navy

Five Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested and their boat impounded by the Sri Lankan Navy today for allegedly fishing in Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, the Press Trust of India reported.

The fishermen from Mandapam had put out to sea in a boat early Sunday and were fishing off Neduntheevu when Lankan naval personnel surrounded them and took them to Kangesanthurai Port, State Fishermen Association President N. Devadoss said.

On 23 May, six fishermen were arrested for allegedly fishing near Neduntheevu. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami had on 13 June sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for getting back 135 fishing boats of state fishermen impounded by Sri Lanka.

He had also requested Modi to take steps to secure the release of 11 fishermen in the island nation’s custody.