7 fishermen released from Sri Lankan prison reach Chennai

CHENNAI: Seven fishermen, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy, were released from prison and reached Chennai on Thursday.

Four of the fishermen were arrested on February 20, and the other three on February 22, allegedly for cross-border fishing.

The first group was apprehended when they were fishing near the maritime border by the Sri Lankan Coast Guard. They were arrested and sent to prison. Later on February 22 the other three were arrested similarly.

Following that, the family members of the arrested fishermen requested the government to take action, and Tamil Nadu CM Stalin requested the central government to take immediate action.

Then, with diplomatic efforts through the Indian embassy, all seven fishermen were released from prison and handed over to the Indian officials two days ago. ‘

The officers arranged the travel documents for them, and all seven fishermen reached the Chennai airport on Thursday. They were welcomed by the officials from the fisheries department, who also arranged transport for their native villages.