14 Tamil Nadu Fishermen Return from Sri Lanka

Fourteen fishermen from Tamil Nadu returned to Chennai on Friday after being released from prison in Sri Lanka. They had earlier been arrested by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard for allegedly crossing the maritime border while fishing.

According to officials, the fishermen belonged to two different groups. One group of seven fishermen from Rameswaram went out to sea for fishing on January 12. Another group of seven fishermen from Nagapattinam went fishing on January 20.

Both groups were reportedly caught by the Sri Lankan Coast Guard for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line between India and Sri Lanka. After their arrest, their fishing boats were seized and the fishermen were taken into custody. They were later sent to prison in Sri Lanka.

Following the incident, M. K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, requested the Government of India to take immediate action to secure the fishermen’s release.

After diplomatic efforts, the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka held discussions with Sri Lankan authorities and helped arrange the fishermen’s release from prison.

Once released, the fishermen were handed over to Indian officials. Necessary travel documents were arranged for them, and they were brought back to India. The fishermen arrived in Chennai, where officials received them before they returned to their respective hometowns to reunite with their families