Sri Lankan Navy detains seven fishermen from Tamil Nadu
The fishermen were intercepted while fishing between Katchatheevu islet and North Mannar in the early hours of Sunday.
The Sri Lankan Navy arrested seven fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam in the early hours of Sunday, according to reports by Telangana Today, The New Indian Express and The Hindu. The fishermen were intercepted around 1 am while fishing between the Katchatheevu islet and North Mannar.
The naval personnel apprehended the men and their mechanised trawler on allegations of poaching in international waters. The vessel is owned by J John Mervin of Anthoniarpuram in Thangachimadam. The detained fishermen were taken to a naval port in Sri Lanka for legal proceedings.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Placius, 41; Alagu Pandi, 22; Antony Pitchai, 33; Rabin, 21; Nelson, 58; Arulananda Xavier, 65; and Sahaya Anand, 34. All seven belong to the Ramanathapuram district.
Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department officials stated that 398 tokens were issued on Saturday for fishing operations. The fishermen were expected to return on Sunday evening but were detained before completing their trip.
Fishermen's leaders expressed distress over the arrests, noting the timing with the Deepavali festival approaching. They have called upon the State and Central governments to facilitate their release and announced plans to meet with coastal district fishing associations to determine future actions.