Tamil Nadu: 18 Fishermen Released From Sri Lankan Prison Reach Chennai

Last month, 18 fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the maritime boundary line in two different incidents.

On Tuesday, the fishermen who reached Chennai started to Ramanathapuram by road in a vehicle arranged by the state government. ( Image Source :Twitter/@IndiainSL )

Around 18 fishermen who were earlier arrested by Sri Lankan Navy and released by the local court in the foreign nation returned to Tamil Nadu, their home state, on Tuesday. The fishermen arrived in Tamil Nadu by air from Colombo and they were received by officials of Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department. 

During the event, some BJP functionaries also took part in welcoming the fishermen. 

According to ANI, "18 fishermen who were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy on January 16th for allegedly crossing the border, were released from the jail and reached Chennai."

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: 18 fishermen who were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy on January 16th for allegedly crossing the border, were released from the jail and reached Chennai. pic.twitter.com/obonXt3Qg2

— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024

Last month, 18 fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the maritime boundary line in two different incidents. Initially, 10 Indian fishermen were arrested for alleged poaching and a day later 12 other fishermen were arrested for the same reason. 

Earlier this month, a local court issued an order for their release, as reported by officials. Subsequently, they were relocated to a camp in the vicinity.

On Tuesday, the fishermen who reached Chennai started to Ramanathapuram by road in a vehicle arranged by the state government.

Meanwhile, the matter concerning fishermen has been a contentious issue in the relations between India and Sri Lanka. Instances have been reported where Sri Lankan Navy personnel have allegedly fired upon Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait and confiscated their boats, citing violations of Sri Lankan territorial waters.

The Palk Strait, a narrow expanse of water that delineates Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, serves as a lucrative fishing zone for fishermen hailing from both nations.