32 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy

Colombo –   At least 32 Indian fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly poaching in the country’s waters off the coast of the Delft islet in Jaffna. The incident occurred on Monday, a day before Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is scheduled to hold talks with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse.

Their eight trawlers were seized yesterday, a Naval spokesman said.

The fishermen were being taken to the port of Kankesanturai to be handed over to the fisheries surveillance officials, the spokesman added.

Commenting on the arrest, fisheries ministry spokesman Narendra Rajapaksa said the Indian fishermen had violated accord reached during January’s bilateral fishing talks to stop bottom trawling.