Sri Lanka has released 106 Indian fishermen who were in its custody on charges of poaching in Sri Lankan waters. The release orders of 55 fishermen have already been issued by the magistrates’ courts of Jaffna and Mannar, while the process of release of remaining 51 fishermen is expected to be completed today.

According to officials of the Indian Consulate in Jaffna, the repatriation of these fishermen will take place later this week. The fishermen had been arrested at various times since November last year along with their fishing vessels. Their boats have however not been released by Sri Lankan government. Three fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy yesterday will also not be released today.