Sri Lankan Navy arrested 12 fishermen from Tamil Nadu last night for allegedly crossing the international maritime boundary. A statement by Sri Lankan navy said, the fishermen along with two trawlers were taken into custody south of Thalaimannar in the island nation. <br/><br/>They have been handed over to Fisheries Department in Mannar for further legal action. The arrests came only a day after seven fishermen were arrested yesterday near Delft island. With this, the number of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody has gone up to 34. The fishermen issue has been a constant problem between the two countries. A delegation level talks at foreign minister level held in November had decided to begin consultations for resolving the issue. Accordingly, the meeting between agriculture minister from India and fisheries minister of Sri Lanka is scheduled to be held in Colombo on 2nd of January.

Sri Lankan Navy arrested twelve fishermen from Pamban Tamil Nadu when they were fishing near Lankan waters near Mannar last night. Sources said, the fishermen were taken to Talai Mannar for questioning. Sri Lankan Navy also detained two fishing boats. There is tension in fishermen hamlets of Tamil Nadu as Sri Lankan Navy again apprehended twelve fishermen from Tamil Nadu. <br/><br/>Sri Lankan Navy had arrested seven fishermen from Pudukottai Kottaipattinam and detained their two fishing boats on Monday night. Tamil Nadu chief Minister O Paneerselvam had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the release of 22 fishermen from Tamil Nadu languishing in Lankan jail. He also urged the release of 109 fishing boats detained by Sri Lanka.<br/><br/>Local fishermen expressed their anguish that Tamil fishermen are being apprehended by Sri Lankan Navy. Officials of India and Sri Lanka are to meet by this month end as a prelude to ministerial level meeting to be held on January 2 to find a solution to the problem.