INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The 20 Indian fishermen, who were released from jails in Sri Lanka, reached Chennai by flight, said officials in Chennai on Wednesday (Jan
They are residents of the Tamil Nadu districts of Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, and Tuticorin, and were in Sri Lankan judicial custody.After
negotiations between the Indian and Sri Lankan governments, the latter released the 20 fishermen.They were handed over to Indian embassy
officials, who provided them with temporary citizenship certificates
The fishermen were then flown from Colombo to Chennai airport.Upon arrival at Chennai airport, the fishermen underwent citizenship
verification, customs checks, and other formalities before being released.They were then greeted by fisheries department officials, who
arranged for them to be taken to their hometowns in separate vehicles.It may be recalled that fishermen associations across Tamil Nadu have
been organising large-scale protests in coastal districts following the regular arrests of fishermen from the state.They have written to the
Indian Prime Minister, urging him to intervene and end the mid-sea arrests and seizures of mechanised boats, which form the backbone of the
livelihoods of the fishermen.Indian External Affairs Minister S
Jaishankar had recently discussed this issue with visiting Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake, highlighting the frequent arrests of
prevent further arrests of Indian fishermen.Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, emphasized the growing
hardships faced by fishermen and their families
Thousands of families who rely on fishing and related activities are facing severe hardship
districts, the Indian media reported.Source: IANS--Agencies
