Colombo, Feb 8 (Bureau) The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 11 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized three trawlers for allegedly illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters. The fresh arrests took place even as Sri Lankan Foreign Minister GL Peiris was in New Delhi to discuss the issue of fishermen with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar. The 11 Indian fishermen were arrested in an operation conducted off the Delft Island in Jaffna in the night of February 7, said media reports.
In a special operation, the Navy Fast Attack Craft of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla in the Northern Naval Command seized three Indian trawlers for allegedly engaging in the illegal fishing method known as ‘bottom trawling’. Arrangements are being made to hand over the Indian poaching vessels and fishermen held in the operation to the Jaffna District Fisheries Office today. Meanwhile, 21 other fishermen who were arrested by the Navy and handed over to the police after being surrounded by Sri Lankan fishermen have been remanded till February 21. On Monday, 135 Indian fishing boats seized by the Sri Lankan government over the years were auctioned.