Protest in Tuticorin over Lankan navy arresting Indian fishermen

Tuticorin: A large number of fishermen today picketed Tharuvaikulam police station here demanding the release of their counterparts arrested by Sri Lankan Naval personnel, officials said. The 22 fishermen from Karavaikulam in Tuticorin were arrested yesterday and their trawlers seized. [caption id=“attachment_648244” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Image for representation only. Reuters[/caption] They were fishing in three mechanised boats and one country-boat fitted with outboard motor off Kalpittiya when they were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. The protesting fishermen alleged that the Lankan navalmen had “intruded into the Indian territory” violating the international maritime boundary accord and arrested their colleagues. Tension prevailed in the district and police reinforcement had been deployed to monitor the situation. Fisheries Department officials here said the fishermen were fishing about 15 nautical miles away from the Tuticorin coast when the Lankan navalmen surrounded their boats and arrested them. Following talks, the protesting fishermen ended their picketing. Earlier a rally was also held demanding the Centre to intervene in the matter. PTI