Fourteen fishermen from Rameshwaram, who were arrested last month by Sri Lankan naval personnel and whose remand was extended to July 17 by a court in the island nation, began an indefinite fast in Mannar yesterday (06), demanding that they be released, the Press Trust of Indiareported.

The three boats of the fishermen, arrested on June 2 near Katchatheevu islet on charges of illegal fishing, had also been seized.

Fishermen’s Association President S Emerit said they were lodged in a prison in Mannar after their arrest. They were produced before a court on July 3 and the magistrate Aasirvadam Kiravin Alex extended their remand to July 17.

Meanwhile, another court at Paruthithurai in the island nation extended to July 20 the remand of 26 fishermen, who were arrested last month.

The fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan navy personnel on June 21 while they were fishing near Neduntheevu and their three boats were seized.