As many as 19 fishermen from this island, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy and lodged in prison in the neighbouring country, arrived here on Friday, officials said.
They were arrested by the Lankan Navy on March 13 on charges of violating the International Maritime Boundary line. A Lankan court had ordered their release yesterday.
The fishermen and their four boats were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard by Lankan Navy personnel at the IMBL this afternoon, sources said.
The coast guard team, led by Commander P Sathiyanaranan, repatriated them to India, they said.
Their family members and fishermen association presidents V Arulanandam and N Devadoss welcomed them when they arrived at the shore.
Congress party member of the Rameshwaram area Parirajan organised special event to welcome these fishermen. However fishermen refused to accept his welcome and said ” When we are in the prison you never took measures to release us and at present you have organised special event to welcome us”.
Congress MP was surprised over this sudden activity.
