Nine Indian fishermen,detained by Sri Lankan Naval personnel after they allegedlystrayed into Lankan waters, were today set free by a court inthe Island Republic, fisheries department officials here said.
Judicial Magistrate Gajapathy Balan of Kankesanturai innorthern Sri Lanka ordered the release of the fishermen fromAkkarapettai village near Nagapattinam when they were producedbefore him, Assistant Director of Fisheries Vivekanandan saidquoting information received by the department here.
The fishermen had put out to sea in a mechanised boat onJune 16. While fishing off Kodiakarai coast, they were takeninto custody by some Sri Lankan Navy personnel yesterday.
Other fishermen in the vicinity returned to the shores andinformed other villagers, who launched an indefinite fast,demanding that the state and central governments take steps tosecure release of the fishermen.
The fishermen had strayed into Sri Lankan waters pushed bythe heavy wind. After advising them not to venture into thesea if the wind was strong, the Magistrate released them,Vivekanandan said.
The fishermen would be brought to India tomorrow, policesaid.