Sri Lankan navy has arrested seven Indian fishermen along with two boats northwest of Delft island on charges of poaching into Sri Lankan waters. <br/><br/>A statement issued by navy today said the detained fishermen have been taken to Kankesanthurai port of Jaffna District for investigations. <br/><br/>It said the fishermen arrested yesterday were engaged in bottom trawling. Sri Lanka has recently introduced a bill in Parliament to ban bottom trawling and penalize the offenders with two years prison and fine of 50 thousand Sri lankan rupees.<br/><br/>With the latest arrests, the number of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody has gone up to 60. More than 140 fishing boats are also in custody. Sri Lanka has been releasing Indian fishermen from time to time on humanitarian grounds but the boats are not released. <br/><br/>Sri Lankan side has assured to release some boats in coming days after rounds of negotiations.

Sri Lankan navy has arrested seven Indian fishermen along with two boats northwest of Delft island on charges of poaching into Sri Lankan waters. <br/><br/>A statement issued by navy today said the detained fishermen have been taken to Kankesanthurai port of Jaffna District for investigations. <br/><br/>It said the fishermen arrested yesterday were engaged in bottom trawling. Sri Lanka has recently introduced a bill in Parliament to ban bottom trawling and penalize the offenders with two years prison and fine of 50 thousand Sri lankan rupees.<br/><br/>With the latest arrests, the number of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody has gone up to 60. More than 140 fishing boats are also in custody. Sri Lanka has been releasing Indian fishermen from time to time on humanitarian grounds but the boats are not released. <br/><br/>Sri Lankan side has assured to release some boats in coming days after rounds of negotiations.