25 Indian fishermen arrested in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: At least 25 Indian fishermen have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly poaching in the country's waters.

Naval spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya said that the fishermen were arrested last night off the coast of Karainagar in the northern Jaffma penisula for violating Sri Lanka's international maritime boundary.

Their six trawlers were also seized. They were handed over to the police in the islet of Kayts for further action, the Navy added.

Fishermen from both countries often stray into each other's territory as both countries are divided by a small strip of sea.

Last month, Sri Lankan Navy arrested 53 Indian fishermen arrested. On March 15, 34 of them were released after India summoned Sri Lanka's Deputy High Commissioner and lodged a strong protest over the arrest of the fishermen.