12 TN, Pondy fishermen arrested by SL navy

Trichy: The Sri Lankan authorities arrested 12 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Karaikal on Saturday night for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in Sri Lankan waters. The arrested fishermen include seven from Karaikal district, four from Mayiladuthurai, and one from Nagapattinam. The Sri Lankan navy also seized a mechanized boat registered in the name of K Veeravel, a resident of Kilinjalmedu village in Karaikal.The fishermen set out from Karaikal fishing harbour in the early hours of Friday. On Saturday night, they were fishing along with other boats south of Kodiyakarai (Point Calimere). Around 9pm, personnel from Sri Lanka's Northern Naval Command intercepted the boat, detained the fishermen and confiscated the vessel, fishing gear, and the catch.The fishermen were taken to Kangesanthurai Harbour in Jaffna and handed over to officials of the Sri Lankan department of fisheries and aquatic resources for further legal proceedings.Meanwhile, fishing community leaders have urged the Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Union govts to intervene immediately and secure the release of the arrested fishermen and their boat. Authorities told TOI that the matter has been brought to the notice of Puducherry and TN directorates for necessary action.