In Tamil Nadu, eight Tamil fishermen released by Sri Lanka returned home today. The fishermen from Nagapattinam were forcibly taken to Sri Lanka earlier this month after their boat collided and sunk a Lankan boat. <br/><br/>However Lankan court had ordered the release of these Tamil fishermen on 5th of this month. The fishermen of Nagai Akaraipettai celebrated Pongal with joy as they received the eight Tamil fishermen released by Sri Lanka. <br/><br/>The Tamil fishermen were handed over to Indian Coast Guard by Sri Lankan Navy at the international maritime boundary line. They were brought to Karaikal private port in ICGS ship Rani Abecca.<br/><br/>Tamil Nadu fisheries minister K A Jayapal welcomed the fishermen and sent them to their native village Akkaraipettai. The news of the release of 104 Tamil fishermen lodged in Lankan jail by Monday has brought joy in the fishermen hamlets of Nagai and Rameswaram. <br/><br/>Tamil fishermen urge the government to secure the release of more than 66 fishing boats in Lankan custody as their livelihood is dependent solely on fishing.