The Sri Lanka Navy assisted the Sri Lanka Coast Guard to arrest five Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters North of Delft Island today. The Navy said that an Indian fishing trawler was also seized following the arrest of the fishermen. The fishing trawler and the arrested fishermen were brought to the Kankesanthurei Harbour to be handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries in Jaffna, the Navy said. Meanwhile the Indian media reported that 12 fishermen were detained by Sri Lankan Naval personnel for allegedly entering island waters but were released after a warning today. The fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who had set out in two boats were fishing in Gopuratheevu off Neduntheevu in Sri Lanka, when they were arrested and taken for an inquiry, Fisheries Assistant Director, Sekar said. The authorities warned them not to enter Sri Lankan waters before releasing them this morning, he said adding the fishermen were expected to return this evening. On October 2, more than 2000 fishermen from Rameswaram were forced to return without catch after Lankan Naval personnel attacked them by pelting stones and iron balls near Katchatheevu.
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