RAMESWARAM: As many as 17 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested Tuesday by the Sri Lankan Navy for fishing off Neduntheevu, a fishermen association leader said.
The fishermen from Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai districts were arrested at gunpoint, while they were fishing in the Lankan waters early this morning. They were then taken to Kangesanthurai port in the island nation, Rameswaram Fishermen Association President, S Emerit told reporters here.
Their boats were also impounded, he said.
He urged the Centre to ensure that fishermen from the state be allowed to fish in the traditional areas of Palk Strait.
On Monday, 11 fishermen from the state were arrested by the Lankan Naval personnel for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing near Neduntheevu.