Chennai, April 22:
Nineteen fishermen from Ramanathapuram district, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Coast Guard earlier this year, returned to Chennai on Monday night following their release.
The fishermen had ventured into the sea on February 26 in two mechanised boats and were apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities while fishing near the Pamban region for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line.
Following their arrest, the fishermen were lodged in prison in Sri Lanka. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin had earlier written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging immediate diplomatic intervention to secure their release.
Subsequently, officials from the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka held discussions with the Sri Lankan government, leading to the release of all 19 fishermen. They were later handed over to Indian authorities.
As the fishermen did not possess passports, Indian officials issued emergency certificates and arranged flight tickets to facilitate their return. Upon arrival in Chennai, they were received by officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department.
The fishermen were later transported to their respective hometowns in government-arranged vehicles, bringing relief to their families after weeks of uncertainty.