A group of fifteen Indian fishermen have been remanded by a Sri Lankan court until 31 July after being arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly entering territorial waters near Mannar.
The arrests took place in the early hours of 29 June and 1 July during routine sea patrols conducted by the Sri Lankan Navy.
According to officials, the navy intercepted two Indian fishing boats and detained the 15 crew members on board, accusing them of engaging in illegal fishing within Sri Lanka's Exclusive Economic Zone.
The detained fishermen and their vessels were subsequently handed over to naval authorities in Mannar. Following an investigation by local naval personnel and officials from the Mannar Fisheries Department, the fishermen were presented before the Mannar District Magistrate’s Court.
On Tuesday, the case was taken up for further inquiry, where the Magistrate ordered that all 15 individuals remain in remand custody until the end of the month.
The issue of Indian fishermen entering Sri Lankan waters has long been a source of diplomatic tension between the two countries, particularly affecting communities along both sides of the Palk Strait. Tamil Nadu fishermen have frequently alleged harassment and violence by Sri Lankan forces.
