AP fishermen ask Rs 40 lakh to release 168 TN counterparts

(August 26, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) In the second incident in two months, 168 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were captured by Andhra Pradesh fishermen for allegedly fishing in AP waters on Monday.

The fishermen who had left the Kasimedu fishing harbour on August 21 in 28 mechanised boats were captured by fishermen from Andhra Pradesh. It is also alleged that the Andhra Pradesh fishermen have demanded a ransom of Rs 40 lakh to release them. "They left in 28 boats.

While 21 boats were seized at Krishnapuram, seven were seized at hennarapalayam. We are awaiting details from the fishermen’s association and the Andhra Pradesh government. We are in touch with them to secure their release and ensure their safety,” fisheries commissioner Shambu Kallolikar said. “We are also going into reports of ransom being demanded from these fishermen,” he said.

This is the second incident since June 3, when 124 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were held captive by fishermen from Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh. The Tamil Nadu government intervened and secured the release of the fishermen. The fishermen were let off after being fined under the Andhra Pradesh Marine Fishing Regulation Act. However, it is also alleged that the fishermen had to pay a ransom for their release. Fishermen at the Kasimedu fishing harbour want the Tamil Nadu government to sort out the issue, since they are often held by Andhra Pradesh fishermen.
- Sri Lanka Guardian