12 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy

RAMESWARAM (TN): Around 12 Indian fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday for allegedly entering the country's territorial waters near Kachathivu, state fisheries department officials said.

The fishermen were later remanded to police custody by the Judicial Magistrate at Oorkaval near Kangesanthurai in the island nation, the officials said.

Three boats used by the fishermen were also seized by the Navy.

Meanwhile, the Indian Navy also took into custody, 48 fishermen from Rameswaram who had attempted to cross to the Sri Lankan waters on Tuesday and handed them over to the Fisheries department officials.

The license of their 12 boats and the diesel quota has been cancelled, the officials said.

Indian Navy had detained 12 other fishermen belonging to Rameswaram on Monday, along with their mechanised boat.

According to the information received by the Fisheries department, mines had been planted in the sea between Nedunthivu and Kachathivu.

As per the agreement signed while handing over Kachthivu island by India to Sri Lanka in the 70s, Indian fishermen were allowed to dry their net and also offer prayers at the local church, fishermen said adding this was being denied by the Sri Lankan officials.

Source: Times of india