56 released Indian fishers in Sri Lanka to be moved to immigration detention centre: Prison authorities
The Indian fishermen have spent the isolation period in the prison-run Covid-19 quarantine centre in Iyakkachchi since their release on January 25
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Sri Lanka, February 7: The 56 Indian fishermen, released by a Sri Lankan court in the northern Jaffna peninsula last month, will be shifted to an immigration detention centre on Monday after completing their Covid quarantine period, said prison authorities.
A court on January 25, ordered the release of 56 Indian fishermen who were detained by Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing in the island nation's territorial waters in mid-December in the seas south of Mannar.The contentious fishermen issue is certain to figure during Sri Lankan Foreign Minister GL Peiris' visit to India.
Meanwhile, sources in the northern fishing department said the 21 Indian fishermen arrested on February 1 will be produced in the Point Pedro magistrate court later on Monday.
The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 21 Indians along with two fishing trawlers after being alerted by local fishermen. The issue of fishermen remains one of the irritants in India and Sri Lanka ties.
Reportedly, Prison Superintendent and Spokesman Chandana Ekanayake said that the Indian fishermen have spent the isolation period in the prison-run Covid-19 quarantine centre in Iyakkachchi in the Northern province since their release on January 25. “Some of them were found Covid positive, now their quarantine period has ended,” Ekanayake said.
A court on January 25, ordered the release of 56 Indian fishermen who were detained by Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing in the island nation's territorial waters in mid-December in the seas south of Mannar.The contentious fishermen issue is certain to figure during Sri Lankan Foreign Minister GL Peiris' visit to India.
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The fishermen were arrested on two separate days. Their 10 trawlers have been seized. The court's order for their release came as Indian authorities urged Sri Lanka to release them on humanitarian grounds against backdrop of economic assistance talks that were ongoing at the time.
Meanwhile, sources in the northern fishing department said the 21 Indian fishermen arrested on February 1 will be produced in the Point Pedro magistrate court later on Monday.
The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 21 Indians along with two fishing trawlers after being alerted by local fishermen. The issue of fishermen remains one of the irritants in India and Sri Lanka ties.
