Sri Lanka arrests 86 Indian fishermen - All India Radio

Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 86 Indian fishermen last night, on charges of illegally crossing the maritime border and poaching. Sources in Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Ministry say that the fishermen and ten boats were caught separately in the north and east of Sri Lanka late last night.

Forty three of the arrested fishermen are being taken to Kankesanthurai harbour and 43 to Trincomalee to be handed over to civilian authorities for further legal action. Sri Lankan officials say that the arrests had to be made, since a large number of Indian fishing boats had crossed over to the Sri Lankan side last night. Clashes between Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen have also been reported in the area.

Officials of the Indian High Commission say that all efforts will be made to ensure an early release of the fishermen.

Sri Lankan officials say that a large number of Indian fishing boats had encroached into Sri Lankan territory, leading to clashes between the fishermen of two countries at the time when the arrests were made.

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