29 Indian fishermen arrested in UAE released

Twentynine Indian fishermen, who were arrested two weeks back by Qatari authorities for allegedly straying into its waters, were released today.

Officials said here that the fishermen were freed by Qatari Coast Guard following intervention by Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi.

The Indians, employed as fishermen in the UAE and hailing from Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, were arrested by Qatari Coast Guard on September 30 after they strayed into Qatari territorial waters, officials in the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs said.

They said Ravi had directed Indian Mission in Qatar to take "urgent steps" for their release.