Sri Lankan Navy arrests 19 Tamil Nadu fishermen

NAGAPATTINAM: Nineteen fishermen from the district were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of violating the International Maritime Boundary Line this morning, Fisheries Department officials said here.

Their two boats were also seized by the navy personnel, Joint Director of Fisheries Department Subburaj said.

Ten of the fishermen belonged to Akkaraipettai and the rest were from Keechankuppam, he said.

The fishermen were arrested when they were fishing in Palk Straits.

The navy had on September 22 arrested 15 fishermen from this district for allegedly fishing in Lankan waters. In another incident on the same day, the navy personnel also chased a group of fishermen at gun point near Katchatheevu in Palk Staits besides damaging nets of more than 60 boats.