AIADMK in Puducherry Protests for Release of Tamil Fishermen Held by Sri Lankan Navy
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Synopsis
On January 29, the Puducherry AIADMK held a protest demanding the release of 13 Tamil fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy. Led by A. Anbalagan, they condemned the arrests and urged the Union government to take action for their safe return.
Key Takeaways
- AIADMK protests for 13 fishermen's release
- Fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy
- Calls for Union government intervention
- Growing tensions in Palk Bay region
- Diplomatic discussions urged by local leaders
Chennai, Jan 29 (NationPress) The AIADMK unit in Puducherry organized a protest on Wednesday, demanding the swift release of 13 Tamil fishermen, including six individuals from the Karaikal region of the Union Territory, who were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy on January 27.
The fishermen were taken into custody under allegations of breaching the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
AIADMK members, led by Puducherry unit secretary A. Anbalagan, assembled near the district collectorate, voicing their opposition to the Sri Lankan government and denouncing its use of force against Tamil fishermen.
In an address to the media, Anbalagan called on the Union government to adopt a decisive approach against Sri Lanka’s “strong-arm tactics” and facilitate the release of the imprisoned fishermen.
He also stressed the necessity for proactive steps to avert such incidents in the future.
“The Union government bears the responsibility to safeguard our fishermen as they head into the sea. Fishermen from Tamil Nadu are increasingly anxious for their safety due to the aggressive maneuvers of Sri Lankan maritime forces,” remarked Anbalagan.
Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy has reached out to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, requesting immediate action to secure the release of the 13 fishermen.
The Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to prioritize diplomatic talks with the Sri Lankan government to ensure their safe return.
Furthermore, Lok Sabha MP V. Vaithilingam has also contacted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking assistance in securing the release of the fishermen and their vessel.
In his correspondence, Vaithilingam stated, “I kindly ask the Union Minister to intervene and convince the Sri Lankan government to release the detained fishermen along with their boat.”
In response to the ongoing apprehensions of Indian fishermen, Tamil Nadu fishermen’s associations have declared a major protest in Rameswaram on Friday, January 31. Fishermen and their families will come together for the demonstration, demanding immediate action from the Union government.
The associations have condemned these repeated arrests, labeling them a significant threat to their livelihoods.
Antony John, a leader of the fishermen’s association in Rameswaram, expressed grave concern over the escalating situation:
“The Sri Lankan Navy is regularly apprehending our fishermen. Just on Tuesday, they even fired upon our men, injuring two of them. This must end,” he stated.
John further lamented that fishing in the Palk Bay is becoming increasingly perilous, with fishermen not only losing their livelihoods but also their boats and fishing gear to Sri Lankan authorities.
Earlier this month, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had written to EAM Jaishankar on January 12, 2025, advocating for diplomatic intervention to ensure the release of detained fishermen.
In his letter, the Chief Minister underscored the economic distress stemming from the repeated arrests and boat seizures.
“The ongoing arrests and boat confiscations have severely affected the livelihoods of our fishermen. Timely diplomatic intervention is crucial to uphold their rights,” he stated.
As tensions escalate, attention is now on the Union government’s response and the diplomatic actions it will undertake to resolve this enduring issue.
