Chennai, Aug 11 (NationPress) The fishing community in Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram has initiated an indefinite strike following the arrest of seven fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on accusations of breaching the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing.

Heightened tension has enveloped the region. The arrests occurred a day prior when the fishermen, who set out from Rameswaram, were reportedly intercepted in mid-sea by Sri Lankan naval forces. Their mechanized fishing vessel was also confiscated.

After their apprehension, the seven fishermen were presented before the Mannar Court in Sri Lanka on Sunday. The court ordered their detention until August 21, after which they were relocated to the Vavuniya Prison in Sri Lanka.

The arrests prompted an urgent meeting of all fishermen’s associations in the Rameswaram harbor area.

During this assembly, a resolution was adopted calling for the immediate release of the detained fishermen and their confiscated boat.

The associations insisted that both the state and Central governments must undertake swift diplomatic efforts to secure their release and avert such incidents in the future.

As a form of protest, the fishermen of Rameswaram commenced an indefinite strike on Monday, abstaining from fishing activities.

Over 700 mechanized fishing boats remain docked at the shore since the onset of the strike. Fishermen’s leaders expressed that the strike is essential to convey a strong message to both Indian and Sri Lankan authorities regarding the ongoing arrests, which have critically impacted their livelihoods.

“We cannot persist like this, uncertain of when one of us might be taken away. We require a sustainable solution,” remarked one association leader to the press.

The strike has halted the local fishing economy. More than 10,000 individuals, including those directly involved in fishing and those in related trades such as auctioning, net making, boat repair, and fish transport, have been adversely affected.

According to representatives from the fishing community, the daily economic loss due to the strike is substantial, amounting to several crores of rupees, as Rameswaram is a pivotal fishing hub in Tamil Nadu.

They cautioned that the strike will persist until decisive actions are taken to ensure the release of the detained fishermen and their safety while fishing in Indian waters.

Incidents of the Sri Lankan Navy detaining Tamil Nadu fishermen for purported maritime boundary infringements have been recurrent for years, with demands for enhanced diplomatic interventions becoming increasingly urgent after each incident.