Chennai: The Sri Lankan navy night detained 16 fishermen from Thangachimadam coastal village in Rameswaram last night on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and entering territorial waters of the island nation.
The arrests were effected in two separate instances, Fisheries department officials said, adding that two mechanised boats have also been seized by the Lankan Navy.
They said 12 of the fishermen were picked up while fishing near Katchatheevu and the rest from Gulf of Mannar.
Condemning the arrest, fishermen association leader Jesu Raja said the Union government should immediately intervene and ensure that the fishermen were safely released with the boats.
According to a statement from the Sri Lankan Navy, two boats and men were caught during separate patrols. The two bottom trawlers along with a huge quantity of fish that was illegally caught by them were seized, it said.