Sri Lankan Navy Arrest 9 Tamil Nadu Fishermen, 2 Boats Impounded

The arrest comes four days after PM Modi requested SL President to ensure the life and dignity of Tamil community in Sri Lanka. 

Later, the fishermen were taken to Naval base in Kankesanthurai harbour. ( Image Source :https://pixabay.com/ )

The Sri Lankan Navy arrested nine Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the maritime boundary line. Tamil Nadu fisheries department official said that two mechanised boats were also seized on Tuesday. 

According to PTI, fishermen from Mandapam in Ramanathapuram ventured into the sea for fishing on Monday. In the night, the fishermen were apprehended between Katchatheevu and Neduntheevu. 

Talking to The Hindu, a senior official of the Fisheries Department identified the fishermen as Arumugan, Manikandan, Velu, Kumar, Jayaseelan, Irulandi, Nallathambi, Suresh and Sivathaporiyan.

The arrest comes four days after PM Modi requested SL President to ensure the life and dignity of Tamil community in Sri Lanka. 

After talks with Sri Lankan President, PM Modi said, "We agreed that fishermen's issue should be handled with a humanitarian approach."

In a joint statement, PM said, "Today, we discussed the issues related to the livelihood of fishermen. We agree that we should go ahead on the matter with a humane approach. We also spoke about reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Wickremesinghe told me about his inclusive approach." 

"We hope that the Sri Lankan government will fulfill the aspirations of Tamils and take forward the process of equality, justice and peace. We hope it will fulfill its commitment to the implementation of 13th Amendment and Provisional Council elections," it added.

On July 9, 15 fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy near Neduntheevu. The fishermen ventured to Thangachimadam and Pamban in two mechanised boats and when they were fishing near Neduntheevu, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested the duo on poaching charges in Sri Lankan waters. 

Later, the fishermen were taken to Naval base in Kankesanthurai harbour.