Chennai, Feb 20 (NationPress) The Sri Lankan Navy has detained ten fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly entering its territorial waters.

During a late-night operation on Wednesday, three mechanized fishing boats were also confiscated.

Officials from the Tamil Nadu coastal police confirmed that the fishermen were arrested for allegedly breaching the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

In the wake of the arrests, families of the detained fishermen and local fishing communities have appealed to both the Central and State governments for swift action to facilitate their release.

Leaders from fishermen's associations have announced plans for significant protests in Rameswaram and other coastal regions on Thursday, denouncing the ongoing arrests.

Just ten days prior, on February 9, the Sri Lankan authorities detained 14 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized their mechanized fishing vessel.

These fishermen had departed from Rameswaram and were transported to Jaffna for interrogation.

A similar occurrence took place on February 3, when ten fishermen from Rameswaram were apprehended for allegedly crossing the IMBL.

In recent weeks, the Sri Lankan Navy has detained numerous Tamil Nadu fishermen.

On January 26, 34 fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam were arrested, along with the seizure of three fishing boats. Additionally, 13 fishermen from Rameswaram were detained the week before, with their mechanized boat confiscated.

Fishermen's associations have vocally condemned these consistent arrests, labeling them a significant threat to their livelihoods.

Antony John, a leader from a fishermen's association in Rameswaram, expressed grave concern regarding the escalating detentions. 'The Sri Lankan Navy is regularly arresting our fishermen. They have even shot at our individuals, injuring two. This must come to an end,' he stated.

He also pointed out the dangers associated with fishing in the Palk Bay, where fishermen risk losing their vessels, equipment, and means of income.

Leaders from the fishermen's community have urged the Indian government to undertake prompt diplomatic measures to ensure the release of the detained fishermen and the recovery of seized boats.

They have also called for a permanent resolution through a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka.

Fishermen's associations across Tamil Nadu have sent letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, advocating for urgent intervention to halt further arrests and safeguard coastal communities.

Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had previously written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, requesting diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the arrested fishermen.

In his correspondence, Stalin highlighted the severe economic repercussions of ongoing arrests and vessel seizures.

'The recurring arrests and confiscations have drastically impacted our fishermen's livelihoods. Immediate diplomatic action is crucial to protect their rights,' he emphasized.

According to reports, since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 425 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized 58 fishing boats.

These frequent detentions have sparked widespread protests, with fishermen accusing both the Union and State governments of failing to provide a sustainable solution.

Former Union Minister and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) President Anbumani Ramadoss has urged the Indian government to take decisive actions against Sri Lanka's activities.

He underscored the urgent need to address maritime boundary disputes to ensure the safety and security of fishermen from Tamil Nadu.