In a latest incident, the Sri Lankan navy detained 14 fishermen and two country boats in mid-sea for a few hours and let them off after warning not to enter the island nation waters on Monday.
Fisheries department source said, the mechanized boats have been anchored in view of the 45-day ban. But fishermen were venturing in country boats into sea.
Meanwhile, 14 fishermen, including Selvaraj, Mari, Muthu, Karuppaiah, Sathyaraj, Saravanan and Muniyan, of Natarajapuram near Rameswaram, were surrounded by a Lankan patrolling boat in mid sea off the Rameswaram shore.
The Lankan navy personnel dragged the two country boats along with 14 fishermen to some distance and checked their crafts. Then, the Lankan navy personnel released the 14 fishermen after issuing a stern warning not to enter Lankan waters again. The 14 fishermen returned shore after three hours of detention.
Remand Extended
Meanwhile, a Mannar court on Monday extended the remand of 30 fishermen, who were lodged in Anuradhapura prison in the island nation, till May 20.
Jesu, a fishermen association leader, said that the 30 fishermen of Rameswaram, had ventured into the to sea on April 6 and were detained by the Lankan navy. Later, they were remanded in Anuradhapura prison after being produced before Mannar court. Meanwhile, the 30 fishermen were produced before the Mannar court on May 6 which extended their remand till May 20. They were again taken back to Anuradhapura prison.
Similarly, a group of 26 fishermen from Karaikal, who were taken away by Lankan navy on April 5, were produced before the Keits court which extended their remand till May 20. The 26 fishermen were again taken to Jaffna prison.
Devadass, a fisherman association leader told that the government assured that the 30 fishermen would be released. However, the Lankan court has extended their remand till May 20. Therefore, fishermen would meet shortly and discuss the future course of action, he added.