Srilankan Naval personnel arrested seven Tamil Nadu fishermen for allegedly fishing near Neduntheevu in the island nation, the navy said on Tuesday.
The fishermen were arrested in the waters northwest of Delft Island on Monday and were taken to Kangesanthurai Port in Sri Lanka, Sekar, Pudukkottai Fisheries Department Assistant Director, told media.
The Lankan navalmen also allegedly rammed against one of the mechanised boats and sank it leaving five fishermen on board to struggle in the sea till fellow fishermen rescued them, he added.
Two fishing boats were also reportedly seized.
Sri Lankan Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said Sri Lanka and India will have more talks to seek a solution to the long-standing disputes between fishermen.
“At least three Indian fishing boats enter Sri Lankan waters every week… This is a huge threat to the Sri Lankan fishing industry,” he was quoted as saying.
Almost 22 Indian fishermen were arrested by Sri Lanka so far for fishing illegally in the Sri Lankan waters. 136 fish trawlers were also seized by Sri Lankan authorities.
