Fourteen fishermen from Rameshwaram, who were arrested last month by Sri Lankan naval personnel and whose remand was extended to July 17 by a court in the island nation, began an indefinite fast in Mannar today, demanding that they be released, the Press Trust of India reported.
The three boats of the fishermen, arrested on June 2 near Katchatheevu islet on charges of illegal fishing, had also been seized.
Fishermen’s Association President S Emerit said they were lodged in a prison in Mannar after their arrest. They were produced before a court on July 3 and the magistrate Aasirvadam Kiravin Alex extended their remand to July 17.