11 TN fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy

RAMANATHAPURAM: The Sri Lankan Navy seized one boat and arrested 11 Indian fishermen hailing from Pamban and Rameswaram for alleged violation of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) on Thursday.

Sources from the fisheries department said that over 400 boats ventured into the sea from Rameswaram on Thursday. The Sri Lankan Navy patrol unit started chasing away the fishermen, who were allegedly violating the IMBL. One boat allegedly remained in Lankan waters, and was caught by the patrolling unit off Delft Island.

Sri Lankan Navy official sources said the boat was caught fishing in Lankan waters with 11 Indian fishermen, who were arrested and taken to Kankesanthurai port. The arrested fishermen were handed over to Fisheries inspector of Mailadi for further legal proceedings. They were produced before court and the fishermen have been remanded till April 9. At present, they are lodged in Jaffna prison.