Sri Lankan Navy Detains 18 Fishermen from Tamil Nadu for Breaching Maritime Boundary
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Chennai, Dec 3 (NationPress) The Sri Lankan Navy detained 18 fishermen from Tamil Nadu on Tuesday for allegedly breaching the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing near Neduntheevu.
As reported by the Tamil Nadu Coastal Police, the fishermen were accused by Sri Lankan authorities of entering into Sri Lankan waters and partaking in illegal fishing activities.
The detained fishermen, who were on board two fishing vessels, were taken to the Kangesan Naval Base for further inquiries.
The persistent detentions of Tamil Nadu fishermen have caused considerable distress within the fishing community.
Calls are increasing for both the Central and state governments to intervene and halt these incidents.
Since June 16, it has been reported that the Sri Lankan Navy has detained 425 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and confiscated 58 boats.
Many of these fishermen remain imprisoned in Sri Lankan facilities.
During a recent visit to Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the issue of these arrests, urging the neighboring country to implement measures to prevent further detentions and boat confiscations.
Despite these discussions, the arrests have continued relentlessly, leading fishermen's associations in Tamil Nadu to organize large-scale protests across coastal districts.
A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, informed IANS that fishermen's associations are mobilizing widespread protests in response to the ongoing arrests.
"The livelihoods of our fishermen are under threat. Thousands of families dependent on fishing and related activities are experiencing significant hardship. A pervasive sense of fear has taken hold of fishermen and their families regarding venturing into the sea," he stated.
Thajudhin also pointed out that the Sri Lankan government intends to nationalize mechanized fishing boats that have been seized from Tamil Nadu fishermen in open seas. "This action will decimate the industry, as many fishermen have incurred debts to acquire these costly boats, expecting to repay through their earnings," he elaborated.
The fishermen's association has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to step in and halt mid-sea arrests and the confiscation of mechanized boats, which are crucial to the fishermen's livelihoods.
K. M. Periasamy, a fishermen leader from Ramanathapuram, highlighted the emotional and financial strain on fishermen and their families. "Families are in profound distress due to the frequent arrests and attacks at sea by the Sri Lankan Navy," he noted.
Periasamy has expressed intentions to meet with Prime Minister Modi and the Union External Affairs Minister to discuss these pressing issues.
He added, "The confiscation of mechanized boats has been financially devastating for families who are unable to repay the loans taken to buy these boats. Tamil fishermen venture into the high seas for fishing, not for unlawful activities. We urge the Indian government to address this matter at the highest level with Sri Lankan authorities."
