Repatriation of Indian fishermen from Lanka soon: Official

Colombo, Dec 22 (PTI) The repatriation of 22 Indian fishermen and their boats detained by Sri Lankan Navy could take a couple of days as the process had been affected by "inclement weather", an Indian official said here today. The Indian Consul General in northern Jaffna district has asked for Tamil Nadu's help to retrieve the Indian fishing boats which have run aground off Sri Lanka's northern coast. "We have asked for rescue boats from Tamil Nadu. But this needs Sri Lankan government approval," V Mahalingam told PTI. He hoped that the repatriation process could be completed in a couple of days. "The process has got affected by the inclement weather prevailing," the Indian Consul General said. Mahalingam said that five of the 22 rescued fishermen were taken to inspect and report back on the condition of the boats today. He said the Lankan Navy feels that the boats had got trapped among the reef. The Indian official said the Sri Lankan Navy had extended maximum co-operation since the five boats were detected by them on December 20 off two Jaffna islets. The Sri Lankan Navy rescued the fishermen and after their magisterial release they are now being put up in a Jaffna residence pending formalities for repatriation. However, earlier reports from Tamil Nadu quoting officials said the twenty-two fishermen from Jagadapattinam and other coastal villages in Pudukottai district were taken into custody by Sri lankan Naval personnel when they were fishing near Katchatheevu in the Palk straits. PTI CORR RBS AKJ RBS