Indian Naval Ship Khanjar brings back 36 stranded Indian fishermen
The fishermen were onboard three fishing vessels, which were towed by INS Khanjar for more than 30 hours in challenging sea conditions.
Paving a way for safe release of Indian fishermen who are currently in Sri Lankan custody, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Gopal Baglay on Thursday said that all 85 Indian fishermen currently in custody there will be released soon.
"All 85 Indian fishermen currently in Sri Lankan custody will be released," the MEA spokesperson said in a statement.
"We are awaiting further orders in this regard," he added.
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Earlier, the foreign ministry had said that the government is deeply concerned at the killing of an Indian fisherman and the Indian high commissioner to Sri Lanka has taken up the matter with the prime minister of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan navy has promised a full and thorough investigation.
A 22-year-old Indian fisherman was shot dead on Monday while he was fishing in a mechanised boat a short distance off Katchatheevu islet. Local fishermen alleged that he was killed by the Sri Lankan navy while another was injured.
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