Southern States - Tamil Nadu   

32 fishermen released, a few others detained

By P.S. Suresh Kumar

Ramanathapuram Dec. 2. The relief at the return of 32 missing fishermen, abducted on Sunday, from Sri Lanka today turned out to be short-lived, as reports came in of the detention of more fishermen, who allegedly cross the international boundary line. All the fishermen arrived at the Rameswaram boat jetty this evening.

According to one of them, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam allowed them to take back only one mechanised boat. The remaining boats will be released only after payment of Rs. 8 lakhs as compensation for "damaging" fishing nets of Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen.

Representatives of fishermen associations and Fisheries department officials received the fishermen and later handed them over to their relatives after an enquiry by security agencies.

But peace on the Rameswaram island was shattered, as reports came in of the detention of at least 14 more fishermen, who crossed the line last night. Information reaching here later in the evening put the figure at between 32 and 39. The Sri Lankan Navy is said to have arrested them when they were fishing near Katchatheevu. They were later handed over to the Mannar police. The arrest of fishermen for the second successive day has caused consternation here, with the associations calling for a round-the-clock monitoring of the waters. There were conflicting reports yesterday that it was the LTTE, which detained the first lot, who were then handed over to the local fishermen and subsequently released. But ,the LTTE is reported to have denied any role in the drama. Though the fishermen said it was the Sri Lankan Navy, which nabbed the second group, this was contested by others. The authorities are awaiting a detailed report through Government and diplomatic channels.

Meanwhile, Devadoss, adviser to all fishermen associations on the island, has urged the Government to find out a permanent solution to the issue of fishing rights. He demanded it to take necessary steps to retrieve Katchatheevu, so that the coastal fishermen could venture into sea without any fear.

Jagadapattinam fishermen missing

Our Pudukottai Staff Reporter reports

Twentysix fishermen, who set sail in seven mechanised boats from the Jagadapattinam coast in Pudukottai district, have been reported missing.

The fishermen ventured into the sea on seven boats on Monday morning.

The Jagadapattinam Mechanised Boats Owners and Fishermen Association alleged that the fishermen have been taken into custody by the Sri Lankan Navy. The office-bearers preferred separate complaints with the Fisheries department and the police. The Government was informed of the matter.

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