Tamil Nadu Fishermen's Protests Against Lankan Navy Arrests Persist
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Synopsis
Fishermen in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district are on an indefinite hunger strike demanding government intervention for the release of imprisoned fishermen in Sri Lanka. The protest highlights the impact of frequent arrests and the urgent need for diplomatic action.
Key Takeaways
- Indefinite hunger strike by Tamil Nadu fishermen and families.
- Demand for the release of Indian fishermen held in Sri Lanka.
- Significant economic loss affecting over 10,000 workers.
- Tamil Nadu government calls for a Joint Working Group.
- Urgent need for diplomatic efforts to prevent future arrests.
Chennai, March 1 (NationPress) Fishermen and their families in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu have continued their indefinite hunger strike, which commenced on Friday (February 28), to demand immediate intervention from the central government for the release of Indian fishermen currently imprisoned in Sri Lanka and the recovery of their confiscated boats.
Approximately 300 fishermen and their family members have gathered at Thangachimadam in Ramanathapuram, enduring heavy rainfall.
Simultaneously, in Rameswaram, fishermen have been on an indefinite strike since February 23, protesting against the frequent arrests conducted by the Sri Lankan Navy. As this strike approaches its seventh day, over 700 boats are remaining anchored along the Rameswaram coast, significantly disrupting the fishing industry.
Addressing the protesters, P. Jesuraja, leader of the All Mechanised Boats Fishermen Association, reported that on February 23, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 32 fishermen from Ramanathapuram and confiscated five mechanised fishing boats, citing breaches of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Fishermen’s associations estimate that the ongoing strike is leading to a daily revenue loss of approximately Rs 1 crore, impacting more than 10,000 workers reliant on the fishing sector.
A consultative meeting of mechanised boat fishermen’s associations was convened on February 23 at the Rameswaram fishing harbour, where they unanimously resolved to cease fishing activities until the detained fishermen are released. Fishermen's leaders indicated that since January 2025, a total of 119 Indian fishermen and 16 boats have been detained. Jesuraja also highlighted the financial burden on the families of detained fishermen, who frequently confront hefty fines to secure their release.
Worried about further arrests and boat seizures, many fishermen are now reluctant to venture into the sea. Fishermen’s associations across Tamil Nadu are preparing for extensive protests against the ongoing detentions.
Antony John, a fishermen’s association leader, mentioned that coastal districts would soon finalize a date for statewide demonstrations. He urged the Union government to take prompt action to ensure the release of all detained fishermen, reclaim confiscated boats, and establish a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka to prevent future arrests.
Additionally, fishermen’s associations have dispatched a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, advocating for swift diplomatic efforts to safeguard the livelihoods of coastal communities and avert mid-sea arrests. Rajagopal C.M., a fishermen’s leader from Thangachimadam, criticized the government’s lack of urgency, noting that many detained fishermen remain imprisoned in Sri Lanka, leaving their families in financial distress.
He pointed out that since 2018, approximately 270 Indian trawlers have been seized by Sri Lankan authorities, further jeopardizing fishermen’s livelihoods.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged the central government to assemble a Joint Working Group to devise a permanent solution. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Stalin expressed concern regarding the increasing frequency of arrests, despite repeated diplomatic appeals to Colombo.
“The ongoing apprehension of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy has escalated alarmingly. Since January 2025, there have been eight separate incidents, resulting in the detention of 119 fishermen and the confiscation of 16 boats,” Stalin stated. He called on the Indian government to adopt strong diplomatic measures to thwart further arrests and ensure the safety and security of Tamil Nadu fishermen.
