NEW DELHI: The Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 11 Tamil Nadu fishermen and took them to Kangesanthurai Naval camp for investigation, officials said on Thursday.
According to the Rameswaram Fishermen Association, 11 Tamil Nadu fishermen were detained whilst fishing in one boat in the Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu.
On March 20, 13 Tamil Nadu fishermen, previously arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing beyond permitted boundaries, returned to India after the Indian Embassy in Colombo facilitated their release.
These fishermen, arrested on February 26, faced proceedings at Mallakam court in Sri Lanka and remained imprisoned for approximately one month. Three among them required treatment at a Sri Lankan government hospital for injuries sustained.
Following discussions between both nations, the Sri Lankan court ordered the release of 13 fishermen on March 12.
The fishermen travelled from Colombo to Chennai via arranged flights after receiving temporary passports.
Department officials received them upon arrival and transported them to the Karaikal area in designated vehicles.
On March 18, the Sri Lankan Navy detained three fishermen whilst they were fishing near Delft Island in the Palkbay Sea region.
The detained individuals were A Shankar (53), M Arjunan (35), and S Murugesan (49).
Despite having obtained fishing permits on March 17, the Sri Lankan Navy stated the fishermen had breached the maritime boundary. The seized vessel, IND-TN-10-MM-496, registered to Thangachimadam Kennedy, is under investigation along with the three fishermen.
On February 23, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin voiced concerns regarding increasing arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, requesting the Centre to organise a Joint Working Group (JWG) to resolve this ongoing issue.