34 Tamil Nadu fishermen to be freed by Lanka today

According to sources, as many as 25 fishermen from Ramanathapuram arrested on two different dates on April 5 and April 27 and nine from Jagathapattinam in Pudukkottai, who were whisked away on April 7 on charges of crossing the IMBLL by Sri Lankan navy are expected to be released on Tuesday. However, there was no word on the two mechanized boats and three country boats that were confiscated by the island nation personnel. 

Soon after their arrest, as many as 21 were produced before the Mannar court and the remaining 13 at Kaytes Court and were under judicial custody since then. 

Meanwhile, as a good will gesture, all the 34 fishermen will be released by the respective courts and are expected to return to India on Tuesday. 

Sources said, the fishermen would be handed over by the Lankan navy at the IMBL to the Indian coast guard personnel. All of them would reach Karaikal port by Tuesday evening, sources said.

Sources added that as Sri Lankan government has been stringent on its decision to continue with confiscation of fishing boats belonging to Indian fishermen caught poaching in Sri Lankan waters, as many as 98 fishing vessels were being held under the custody of island nation, are unlikely to be released.