Lagatar24 Desk
Colombo, Jan 5: The Indian High Commission in Colombo confirmed on Wednesday that 13 Indian fishermen who had been detained by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly breaching the International Maritime Boundary Line had been released.
“Happy to learn from our lawyer in Mannar that 13 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu are being released,” the High Commission tweeted.
“Soon after the Court verdict, our official from @CGJaffna met with the #Indian fishermen and offered sweets. We are taking steps for early return,” it added.
Earlier in December, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India has taken up the issue of early release of Indian fishermen and boats with the Sri Lankan government.
In response to media inquiries about the detention of Indian fisherman, Arindam Bagchi, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of External Affairs, said that India is worried over the detention of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu by Sri Lankan authorities between December 18 and 20. According to reports, 68 fishermen and ten vessels have been apprehended.
“Officials from the Consulate General of India, Jaffna, have met the detained fishermen and are providing all necessary support. This includes clothes, toiletries, snacks, dry essentials and masks, besides facilitating phone calls to relatives. They are also arranging legal representation,” he said.
“Our High Commission in Colombo has taken up the issue of early release of the Indian fishermen and boats with the Government of Sri Lanka,” he added.
