The Sri Lankan navy yesterday arrested seven fishermen from India for allegedly crossing into the island's waters.
The men were apprehended off the coast of Kokkuthuthuvai in Pulmoddai and have been handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries in Trincomalee for further legal action.
Last month the chief minister of Tamil Nadu reiterated his condemnation of the Sri Lankan navy's targetting of its fishermen, after a 55-year-old fishermen from Ramanathapuram was found dead off the coast of Neduntheevu.
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Indian fisherman found dead near Neduntheevu
20 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka navy
In a statement, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said that fisherman K Muniasamy drowned when his boat capsized after being chased by the Sri Lankan navy. Eight other fishermen had also gone overboard but were rescued.
"I have often pointed out to the Centre incidents of the Sri Lankan navy chasing away Indian fishermen, damaging their nets and confiscating their boats while they were fishing in their traditional fishing zone of Palk Straits and pressed for quick action," Palaniswami said.
"I strongly condemn the latest incident," he added.
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