Lankan Navy detains 23 Indian fishermen: Reports

The Sri Lankan Navy has taken into custody 23 Indian fishermen hailing from Mandapam and Rameswaram areas when they were fishing in mid sea, Indian media reported today.

Assistant Director of Fisheries Markandeyan said that the reason for the detainment, which took place around 11 p.m. last night, was not known. The Sri Lankan Navy has allegedly taken their five boats into custody also.

Authorities came to know about the incident from a fisherman who managed to escape with his boat from the Sri Lankan Navy personnel, he said.

Nandhini Dhinani, Collector of Mannar district in Sri Lanka, said that the five boats have been detained at the Mannar Navy camp.

Four Tamil Nadu fishermen, who were detained for intruding into Sri Lankan waters, were released on June 16, reports PTI.

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