17 Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy

The fishermenfrom Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai districts were arrested at gunpoint, while they were fishing in the Lankan waters early this morning and 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 the fishermen from the state were allowed to fish in the traditional areas of Palk Strait.

Eleven fishermen from the state were arrested Monday by the Lankan Naval personnel for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing near Neduntheevu.