NAGAPATTINAM: A total of 20 fishermen from Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy near Neduntheevu in the early hours of Saturday on charges of poaching marine resources and violation of international maritime boundary line (IMBL).
According to sources, the apprehended men left Akkaraippettai and Karaikal fishing harbour on November 30 and were taken into custody by the Sri Lankan Navy on Saturday.
“When the fishermen were busy with their catch south-east of Kodiyakkarai, the Lankan Navy accused them of crossing the IMBL and apprehended them on charges of violating the IMBL rules and also for getting involved in poaching marine resources of the island nation.
The arrested fishermen were taken to Kangesanthurai Port in Sri Lanka for further enquiries. The two mechanised boats seized by the Lankan Navy are also in their custody and taken to Point Pedro Naval detachment of Sri Lanka for further enquiries” said sources.