India denies alleged capture of Sri Lankan fishermen

Colombo, Mar 28 (PTI) India on Monday denied the
reports that three Sri Lankan fishermen were taken captive by
their Indian counterparts and said instead they were arrested.
The Indian High Commission here in a statement said,
"The attention of the High Commission of India has been drawn
to recent press reports in Sri Lankan media about three Sri
Lankan fishermen from Valvettithurai being captured, allegedly
by Indian fishermen. The High Commission of India wishes to
affirm that these reports are false, malicious and baseless."
The three Sri Lankan fishermen in question were found
poaching in Indian waters, the statement said, adding they
were taken into custody by the Indian Navy and handed over to
the law enforcement authorities.
"In keeping with the practical arrangements in force
between India and Sri Lanka, Indian authorities are taking
steps to obtain their expeditious release from custody and to
arrange for their early repatriation to Sri Lanka," it added.
India and Sri Lanka's fishermen have figured in the
centre of a diplomatic row between the two countries since
early this year.
Sri Lankan Navy was accused of killing two Indians and
later Sri Lankans arrested hordes of Indian fishermen for
poaching in Sri Lankan waters.