Attacks on Tamil Nadu Fishermen by Sri Lankan Pirates Leave Six Injured

Chennai, Dec 21 (NationPress) In a distressing turn of events, fishermen from Tamil Nadu encountered attacks from Sri Lankan pirates during their fishing expeditions.

Fishermen representatives reported that a group consisting of three fishermen from Tamil Nadu was assaulted and robbed by the pirates while fishing near Vedaranyam on Saturday.

Reports indicate that Rajkumar, Rajendran, and Nagalingam from Nagapattinam were operating their fibre boats when they were ambushed by six Sri Lankan pirates in two vessels.

The attackers resorted to physical violence using sticks and knives, resulting in injuries to the fishermen.

The pirates made off with fishing gear valued at Rs 3 lakh, which included fish, fishing nets, and GPS devices, before escaping, according to fishermen advocates.

The coastal police confirmed that the three men suffered injuries to their heads and hands, along with internal injuries.

Upon returning to shore, the injured fishermen were promptly taken to the Vedaranyam government hospital for urgent medical care by fellow members of the fishing community.

In a separate incident, three additional fishermen — Kumar, Lakshmanan, and Jagan from Perumalpet — were also assaulted by Sri Lankan pirates while fishing near Kodiyakarai.

These pirates stole fishing gear worth Rs 1 lakh.

After the incident, these fishermen returned to shore to seek medical help and informed their community about the attack.

Leaders from the fishermen's association in Nagapattinam pointed out that these fishermen had only just resumed their activities after remaining ashore for nearly a week due to adverse weather conditions caused by low pressure in the Bay of Bengal and heavy rainfall alerts.

They expressed growing alarm over the increasing threats directed at the fishing community. It's important to note that Tamil Nadu fishermen have frequently been detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has reportedly apprehended 425 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized 58 valuable mechanised boats. Many of these fishermen continue to be imprisoned in Sri Lankan jails, resulting in widespread protests and demands for government action.

During a recent visit to India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised the issue of these arrests with Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake.

The minister called on the Sri Lankan government to implement measures to halt further detentions and boat seizures.

A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, underscored the critical situation confronting fishermen and their families. 'The livelihood of our fishermen is under threat. Thousands of families dependent on fishing and related activities are experiencing severe hardships. A pervasive sense of fear has enveloped fishermen and their families regarding ventures out to sea,' he remarked.

Thajudhin also voiced concerns about the Sri Lankan government's plan to nationalise seized mechanised fishing boats, stating that this decision would devastate the industry, as many fishermen had taken out loans to purchase these costly boats in anticipation of repaying them through their earnings.

Fishermen associations across Tamil Nadu are gearing up for large-scale protests in coastal districts. They have reached out to the Prime Minister, urging him to take action to stop mid-sea arrests and the confiscation of mechanised boats, which are vital for the fishing community's livelihood.