Chennai, Feb 24 (NationPress) Fishermen from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, have commenced an indefinite strike, calling for the immediate release of their peers detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.

This action follows the apprehension of 32 fishermen from Rameswaram by the Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday (February 23), with five mechanised fishing boats also confiscated.

In solidarity, 700 mechanised boat fishermen have halted their operations, leaving their vessels moored along the coast.

Leaders from fishermen’s associations have indicated that this strike could lead to a daily revenue loss of approximately Rs 1 crore, adversely affecting over 10,000 workers in the fishing sector.

A consultative assembly of the mechanised boat fishermen’s associations convened on Sunday at the Rameswaram fishing harbour. The associations unanimously resolved to cease fishing activities until the imprisoned fishermen are freed.

The protestors have appealed to the Centre for swift action against the recurrent arrests made by the Sri Lankan Navy, emphasizing the need for their safety.

V.P. Sesuraja, president of the Traditional Indian Fishermen Welfare Association, remarked that Tamil Nadu fishermen have faced arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy on four occasions this month. Since the start of 2025, a total of 119 fishermen and 16 boats have been detained.

Sesuraja further underscored the financial burden on the families of the detained fishermen, who frequently have to pay substantial fines levied by Sri Lankan authorities for their release.

Concerns over additional arrests and boat seizures have caused many fishermen to hesitate in taking to the sea. In response, fishermen’s associations throughout Tamil Nadu are gearing up for significant protests against the ongoing detentions and boat confiscations.

Antony John, a leader of the fishermen’s association, informed IANS that associations across all coastal districts of Tamil Nadu will soon determine a date for a large-scale statewide demonstration. He stressed the necessity for the Union government to take prompt measures to liberate all detained fishermen, recover confiscated boats, and establish a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka to permanently address the issue. Additionally, fishermen’s associations have submitted a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging rapid diplomatic intervention to prevent mid-sea arrests and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Rajagopal C.M., a fishermen’s leader from Thangachimadam, criticized the government’s inaction, noting that many detained fishermen remain imprisoned in Sri Lanka, leaving their families in financial turmoil.

He pointed out that since 2018, around 270 trawlers have been seized, further threatening fishermen’s ability to sustain their livelihoods.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called on the Central government to assemble a Joint Working Group to find a lasting solution. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, CM Stalin highlighted the recent detention of 32 Indian fishermen and five boats by the Sri Lankan Navy, expressing concern over the rising incidence of such events despite numerous appeals to Colombo.

“The ongoing detention of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy has escalated to alarming levels. Since January 2025, there have been eight distinct incidents, resulting in the arrest of 119 fishermen and the confiscation of 16 boats,” CM Stalin stated.

The Chief Minister urged for decisive diplomatic actions to avert further arrests and ensure the safety and security of Tamil fishermen.