Navy arrest 43 Indian fishermen in North; six trawlers seized

At least 43 Indian fishermen have been taken into naval custody for engaging in trawling within Sri Lankan territorial waters in Delft island, Jaffna early this morning, Navy said. 
Six of their bottom trawlers were also seized.

This is the largest batch of Indian fishermen arrest reported on a single day this year since the Navy re-commenced heavy patrolling in Sri Lankan territorial waters as Northern fishermen alleged Indian fishermen continue to venture into the Lankan sea while the Navy looked on. From March to October, the Navy refrained from arresting Indian fishermen due to COVID-19 concerns but commenced arrest following protests by local fishermen.

The arrested Indian fishermen and their trawlers were brought to Mylidy fisheries harbour, Kankesanthurai (KKS) Jaffna and to be produced before Courts shortly, Navy officials from Northern Naval Command said.

The fishermen are to be directed to the two week-long mandatory Navy run quarantine centres in Karainagar, Jaffna. (Pix by N. Lohathayalan)