23 Indian fishermen to be released by Sri Lanka

CHENNAI: Twenty-three Indian fishermen taken into custody by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing into the island nation's waters would be released in two days.In a statement issued here Friday, the Tamil Nadu government, referring to the assurance given to the Indian government by Sri Lanka, said the 23 Indian fishermen will be released in two days.According to the statement, the 23 fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy and their five boats impounded.They were taken to Talaimannar Police Station and lodged in prison in Sri Lanka.Immediately on hearing about the arrest, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging him to intervene in the matter and secure the fishermen's release.Jayalalithaa also instructed state Chief Secretary Debendranath Sarangi to look into the matter.Sarangi in turn got in touch with National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon and other officials at the centre and detailed Jayalalithaa's concern in securing the release of the fishermen at the earliest.The fishermen, from Rameswaram and Mandapam, had set out in five boats Monday and were taken into custody in the night for allegedly intruding into Sri Lankan waters.The incident came to light when a fisherman escaped with his boat and informed the authorities.