COLOMBO (News 1st); 12 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu who were detained in Mannar, for illegally fishing in the Sea of Sri Lanka were released on Wednesday (05).

The Sri Lankan Navy detained the Tamil fishermen and seized their boats claiming that they have crossed the international maritime borders in December 2021. 

10 Indian fishing trawlers and 68 Indian fishermen were taken into naval custody, during such operations in the Northern and North Central Naval Commands on 18th, 19th and 20th December.

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin earlier directed a letter to the External Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka mentioning that 55 fishermen, including 73 boats are currently in the custody of Sri Lanka.

Moreover, the Indian Embassy said that soon after the Court verdict, officials from the Indian Consulate in Jaffna met with the Indian fishermen and offered sweets, and are hoping for an early return.

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