India hopes to amicably resolve with Lanka detention of Indian fishermen

NEW DELHI: India today said it hopes to "amicably" resolve the issue of the detention of 16 Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it was in "active touch" with the local authorities in Lanka.

"Our mission officials are in discussions with the legal officials to resolve the situation", Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin told reporters here.

He added India was hopeful that the situation would be "amicably resolved soon".

Nineteen Indian fishermen are currently in the custody of Lankan authorities for allegedly crossing into the Lankan waters.

Sri Lanka had on March 15 released 34 of the 53 Indian fishermen arrested by its Navy.

The release came a day after India summoned Sri Lanka's Deputy High Commissioner and lodged strong protest over the arrests.

However, 19 fishermen continue to remain in Lankan custody.