Lankan court orders release of TN fishermen

A Sri Lankan court today ordered the release of 19 Indian fishermen, who were arrested by the Lankan Navy on March 13 for allegedly fishing in that country's waters, officials here said.
The fishermen, who were lodged in Anuradhapuram Prison, would arrive either tomorrow or the day after, they said.
Mannar Judicial Magistrate court Magistrate Sarbuddin ordered their release along with their four boats.
Meanwhile, the Oorkavalthurai court extended upto April 19 the remand of 26 Indian fishermen from Karaikal, who were arrested on April 5 for allegedly violating Sri Lanka's international maritime boundary.
The case relating to the arrest of 30 fishermen from this island on April 6 has been been posted for hearing on April 18, officials said. The fishermen were arrested and their five mechanised boats seized by the Navy personnel while fishing near Katchatheevu.

The release of the Indians eased tension as fishermen here had launched agitations including boycotting fishing seeking their release, said local fishermen association representatives.