Tamil Fishermen Return From Sri Lanka With Boats

18 March, Chennaia

Tamil Nadu Fishermen from Nagai, Pudukottai and Rameswaram have returned Wednesday with their 33 fishing boats released by Sri Lanka.

The fishermen and their boats were handed over to Indian Coast Guard by Sri Lankan Navy at the international maritime boundary line. Sri Lanka had ordered the release of Tamil fishing boats last month, ahead of President Maithripala Sirisena’s visit to India.

The livelihood of the fishermen was badly affected as Sri Lankan Navy had arrested Tamil fishermen and confiscated their fishing boats for fishing in international waters crossing the maritime boundary line.

43 fishermen from Nagapattinam and Karaikal released by Sri Lanka returned to Karaikal today morning. Eight boats released by Sri Lanka from Trincomalee were brought to Nagai, Four boats were brought to Rameswaram and 21 boats were brought to Pudukottai today.

The fishermen said that most of the fishing equipment in their fishing boats has been removed. They said that central and state governments should help them to repair their boats and help them venture out into the sea again.

More than 145 Tamil fishermen, alongwith mechanics and electricians went to Lanka in 20 boats to retrieve their fishing boats last Sunday.