Ten Sri Lankan fishermen arrested by Indian authorities on Thursday are to be charged with violating immigration laws of that country and will not be given amnesty, officials said.
This came as the two countries continue to work on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on this growing crisis, which was discussed recently by External Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris and his Indian counterpart S. M. Krishna though little or nothing came out of the talks.
The 10 fishermen from Dondra in the south coast are reported to have strayed into Indian territorial waters when they were arrested by Indian coastguards, Fisheries Ministry’s Additional Director W. S. Lal de Silva told the Sunday Times.
At present, more than 40 Sri Lankan fishermen are being held in several South Indian jails after straying into the territorial waters of that country, Mr. de Silva said.
He said that the matter had been raised with the Indian High Commission in Colombo.
The vessel’s owner, Ajith Kumara said he would be leaving for South India shortly to try and seek the release of his vessel and the crew.
Meanwhile, some 20 Sri Lankan fishermen who were arrested by the Indian authorities after they strayed into that country’s territorial waters some three months ago were released on Friday.
Navy Spokesperson Kosala Warnakulasuriya said the fishermen were handed over to the Navy north of Kankesanturai along with two fishing craft.
They were later taken to the local police before being sent home. |
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