Indian Coast Guard to hand over 17 Sri Lankan fishermen

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Indian Coast Guard will hand over 17 Sri Lankan fishermen released from Indian custody and their 10 boats to Sri Lankan Navy at the International Maritime Boundary Line on Tuesday, Indian media reported.


India's move comes after Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in gratitude to India's decision to abstain from voting on a UN resolution against Sri Lanka, ordered the immediate release of all 98 Indian fishermen and their boats detained by Sri Lankan authorities.

Complying with the President's order, Sri Lanka Navy Sunday handed over 19 Tamil Nadu fishermen and their 4 boats to the Indian Coast Guard at the International Maritime Boundary Line off Mannar.

It is expected that the President's gesture will prompt both sides to resume the stalled discussions between the fishermen of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu soon.