Navy arrests 86 Indian fishermen

27 February 2015 03:54 am

Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 86 Indian fishermen last night on charges of illegally crossing the maritime border and poaching.


According to the AIR news, the Fisheries Ministry has said that the fishermen and ten boats were caught separately in the north and east of Sri Lanka late last night.


Forty three of the arrested fishermen are being taken to Kankesanthurai harbour and 43 to Trincomalee to be handed over to civilian authorities for further legal action.


Sri Lankan officials say that the arrests had to be made, since a large number of Indian fishing boats had crossed over to the Sri Lankan side last night. Clashes between Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen have also been reported in the area.


Officials of the Indian High Commission say that all efforts will be made to ensure an early release of the fishermen.