The Sri Lankan Navy has denied arresting Indian fishermen, as alleged attacks against Indian fishermen remained rampant over the past week.
As Indian officials and the President of the local fishermen association alleged that 9 fishermen were held in custody by the Sri Lankan Navy, spokesperson Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya said,
"We have not arrested any Indian fishermen anywhere".
Earlier this month 56 Indian fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy, prompting widespread criticism in Tamil Nadu. They have not yet been freed.
There have been continued allegations of attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy this week, with 7 Indian fishermen alleged to have been injured off the coast of Kodiakkarai on Friday, the second such incident in the past week.