Chennai, Feb 23 (NationPress) Tensions have surged in the Palk Strait as the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 12 fishermen hailing from Pamban on Monday, while also confiscating their mechanised trawler over allegations of poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

Officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department reported that these fishermen had embarked on their fishing expedition on Sunday aboard a mechanised boat owned by David, a local resident of Pamban near Rameswaram.

The Sri Lankan Navy reportedly intercepted the vessel while it was fishing in the waters situated between Katchatheevu and Mannar.

The fishermen were scheduled to return to shore by noon on Monday, but their failure to do so raised alarms among their families.

After their arrest, the fishermen were transferred to the naval port at Talaimannar for further questioning, as per official statements.

Fishermen associations in Rameswaram have vehemently condemned these arrests, urging the central government to take immediate action, arguing that repeated detentions are jeopardizing their livelihood and sowing uncertainty within coastal communities.

Fishermen leader Jesu Raja expressed his dismay over this incident, highlighting that just last week, 22 Indian fishermen were detained and four trawlers were confiscated by Sri Lankan authorities.

“With the annual festival at St. Antony’s Church in Katchatheevu approaching, such actions have caused considerable distress and discord among fisherfolk on both sides,” he remarked.

Sri Lankan authorities had recently extended invitations to Indian pilgrims for the two-day Katchatheevu festival.

However, Raja noted that ongoing arrests have left many fishermen apprehensive about participating in the festivities, pointing out that similar detentions occurred last year prior to the festival.

Meanwhile, attempts by boat owners to obtain legal relief have reportedly faced challenges.

Despite a recent ruling by a Sri Lankan court ordering the release of six confiscated trawlers, about 10 fishermen from Rameswaram traveled to Sri Lanka in hopes of reclaiming their boats, only to be informed that boat owners would also face poaching charges, leading to their disappointing return.

One boat owner claimed that local lawyers in Sri Lanka are hesitant to represent Indian fishermen, complicating their pursuit of legal solutions.

Fishermen leaders reiterated that only direct intervention from the Union government and support from the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka could provide a sustainable resolution to this recurring issue.