Lankan Navy captures 42 Indian fishermen

New Delhi: At least 42 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam were captured by the Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday. The Sri Lankan Navy also seized 6 boats. The fishermen had allegedly strayed into the Sri Lankan waters.

The Navy spokesperson Kosala Warnakulasuriya said some 42 fishermen on board six trawlers were arrested last night off the coast of Pulmoddai in the east.

They are currently being taken to the east Sri Lankan port of Trincomalee and would be handed over to police for further investigations, he said.

Sri Lanka-India Joint Working Group on fisheries met early this month to thrash out issues related to fishing.

Sri Lankan Navy has been frequently detaining Indian fishermen since mid December last year.

During his visit to the country recently, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna had raised the "emotive issue" of Indian fishermen and emphasised the need that this should be handled with care on both sides.

"As we explore possible solutions, we must ensure that there is no use of force against the fishermen and that they are treated in a humane manner," he had said.

Sri Lanka-India Joint Working Group on fisheries met early this month to thrash out issues related to fishing.

Fishermen of both sides stray into each other's waters regularly in addition to Sri Lanka Navy coming under accusations of attacks against Indian fishermen.

With additional information from PTI

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