Navy assists repatriation of Indian fishermen

By Ranil Wijayapala

Sri Lanka Navy on Thursday assisted the repatriation of 26 Indian fishermen and five Indian fishing trawlers which were in custody for more than seven weeks on being arrested by the Navy on April 5, while engaged in fishing in Sri Lankan waters in Kovilam Point in Jaffna, Navy Spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya said.

The fishermen and the trawlers, were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard Ship Rani Abbakka at the International Boundary Line off Kankasanthurai. Sri Lanka Naval Vessel Abeetha II and P 450 attached to the Northern Naval Command engaged in the mission of handing over the Indian fishermen.

According to Indian media there were numerous protests in Punducherry demanding the release of the 26 Indian fishermen.

The fishermen were released apparently after the Sri Lanka Navy submitted a no objection certificate to the Courts to ensure a smooth release of the Indian fishermen.