Date:28/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/28/stories/2008112854310400.htm

Tamil Nadu

17 fishermen released

PUDUKOTTAI: Seventeen fishermen of Jegadapattinam in the district, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy personnel, were released on Thursday.

The fishermen were taken into custody on a charge of having crossed the International Maritime Border Line on November 17. According to the Deputy Director of Fisheries, S. Jude Armstrong, the fishermen were released by the court in Kayts in Sri Lanka. The official said the fishermen would return home in a few days, after the formal repatriation procedures.

The president of Jegadapattinam Fishermen Welfare Association, G. Ramakrishnan, said that the members of the community were jubilant over the release. — Staff Reporter