Seven Indian fishermen arrested in Sri Lanka

Colombo July 13 (IANS) The Sri Lanka Navy on Thursday arrested seven Indian fishermen for illegally poaching in the island s northern seas officials said.

Two fishing trawlers belonging to the Indian fishermen were seized Xinhua news agency reported.

The fishermen were engaged in bottom trawling in Sri Lankan territorial waters northwest of Delft Island the Navy said.

The trawlers were brought to Karainagar and the fishermen were handed over to the Jaffna Assistant Director of Fisheries.

Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen often face arrests when they enter each other s territorial waters illegally. India and Sri Lanka are divided by a narrow strip of sea.

--IANS
soni/mr