Daijiworld Media Network - Colombo

Colombo, Oct 4: The Sri Lanka Navy arrested nine Indian fishermen and seized their trawler for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan territorial waters, according to an official statement.

The fishermen were arrested on Saturday after they allegedly crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line and entered Sri Lankan waters south of Delft Island in Jaffna, the Navy said.

The Navy said its vessel SLNS Samudura intercepted and seized an Indian fishing trawler and took the nine fishermen on board into custody.

The fishermen were taken to Kankesanthurai Harbour and will be handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for further legal proceedings.

The arrests come amid longstanding tensions between India and Sri Lanka over fishing activities in the Palk Strait. Fishermen from both countries are frequently detained for allegedly crossing into each other's territorial waters.

The Palk Strait, a narrow stretch of water separating Tamil Nadu from northern Sri Lanka, is a rich fishing ground for communities on both sides. The issue has remained a recurring source of friction between the two countries, with Sri Lankan authorities frequently seizing Indian fishing boats and arresting fishermen accused of entering Sri Lankan waters.