India hands over 34 fishermen to Sri Lanka’s navy

RAMESHWARAM - Indian Coast Guard officials handed over 34 Sri Lankan fishermen to the island’s naval authorities here Saturday, an official said.

The fishermen from southern Sri Lanka had trespassed into Indian waters and were arrested along with seven craft and a sizeable catch March 26. Coast Guard personnel handed over Rs.173,000 cash towards the value of the catch seized earlier, the official added.

This minor fishing harbour is situated 600 km south of state capital Chennai.

Indian fishermen held under similar circumstances last week returned home Friday.