Sri Lanka has released 77 of 85 Indian fishermen arrested last week after an alleged firing incident that resulted in the death of an Indian fisherman.

The released fishermen are presently in Jaffna and would soon be repatriated. Seized fishing boats, however, remain with Sri Lanka, reported The New Indian Express.

“Seventy-seven out of 85 Indian fishermen have been released by Sri Lanka government. They are put up in Jaffna and await repatriation. Release of remaining fishermen is expected soon,” Gopal Baglay from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India said.

MEA of India was in negotiation with Sri Lanka to get the fishermen released.

India also has 19 Sri Lankan fishermen in its custody.