136 Indian fishermen released

18 February 2011 09:42 am

The Point Pedro district court and the Mallakam Magistrate , released 136 Indian fishermen who were in remand custody in Jaffna. a short while ago

The Indian fishermen and their 25 boats are to be handed over to the Indian authorities by the Sri Lanka Navy , sources said. The Navy said that released Indian fishermen will be escorted to Indian this evening and will be handed over to the Indian Coast Guards at the Indian Maritime border.

Sources confirmed that following an official request from the Indian government, the Sri Lanka judicial authorities agreed to release them after consultation with the Sri Lankan government. 

On Tuesday evening, Sri Lankan fishermen apprehended 112 Indian fishermen fishing in Sri Lankan waters. Later they were produced before the Point Pedro Magistrate, who remanded them till February 28.

Again on Wednesday evening, another group of 24 Indian fishermen was apprehended by the Sri Lankan fishermen for entering the Sri Lankan waters. They were also remanded till March 1 by the Courts.