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COLOMBO, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Seventeen Indian fishermen were arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters on Thursday, resulting in 36 Indian fishermen being arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy this week.
The navy media unit said the 17 fishermen were arrested northwest and southwest of Delft Island, in the island's northern seas. Three Indian fishing trawlers were also taken into custody.
"Having brought the arrested fishermen and trawlers to Kankesanthurai, they were handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Jaffna for onward legal action," the navy said.
On Tuesday, the Sri Lanka Navy assisted the Sri Lanka Coast guard in arresting seven Indian fishermen northwest of Delft Island while on Wednesday a further 12 were arrested in the south of Thalaimannar.
Four fishing trawlers were also taken into custody following both the arrests.
Sri Lanka and India are expected to hold a fresh round of discussions to resolve the longstanding fishing issue next month with the Indian foreign minister and fisheries minister expected to attend the talks in Colombo. Enditem
