Sri Lankan Navy Detains 14 Fishermen from Tamil Nadu, Confiscates Boat

Chennai, Feb 9 (NationPress) In the early hours of Sunday, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 14 fishermen hailing from Tamil Nadu. Their mechanised boat was also confiscated by the authorities from Sri Lanka.

The fishermen had departed from Rameswaram on Saturday when they were intercepted for allegedly breaching the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). They were subsequently transported to Jaffna for interrogation.

This event is part of a troubling trend, as similar arrests have occurred in recent weeks. On February 3, the Sri Lankan Navy detained 10 fishermen from Rameswaram for allegedly crossing the IMBL.

Officials from the Tamil Nadu coastal police confirmed the recent arrests and the confiscation of the fishermen’s vessel.

In recent weeks, the Sri Lankan Navy has detained multiple fishermen from Tamil Nadu. For example, on January 26, 34 fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam were arrested, along with the seizure of three fishing boats. The arrested fishermen were brought before the Killinochchi Court, where they were remanded.

Additionally, on January 28, 13 fishermen from Rameswaram were detained, and their mechanised boat was taken. Fishermen’s associations have condemned these ongoing arrests, deeming them a significant threat to their livelihoods.

In response to the continuous detentions, fishermen from Tamil Nadu have organized large-scale protests in Rameswaram, with many fishermen and their families demanding immediate intervention from the central government.

Antony John, a leader of a fishermen’s association from Rameswaram, expressed grave concerns about the escalating number of arrests. “The Sri Lankan Navy is repeatedly detaining our fishermen and has even fired upon our men, resulting in injuries to two. This must cease.”

He further lamented that fishing in the Palk Bay has become increasingly perilous, as fishermen are not only losing their livelihoods but also their boats and fishing gear to Sri Lankan authorities.

Leaders of the fishermen’s associations have urged the Indian government to take prompt diplomatic action to secure the immediate release of detained fishermen from Sri Lankan custody. They have called for the swift release of all detained fishermen and the return of seized fishing boats. A bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka to permanently resolve this ongoing issue has also been proposed.

Fishermen’s associations throughout Tamil Nadu have also reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting urgent intervention to prevent further mid-sea arrests and to safeguard the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin previously corresponded with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, advocating for diplomatic intervention to secure the release of the detained fishermen.

In his correspondence, Stalin emphasized the economic distress caused by these repeated arrests and boat seizures. “The ongoing arrests and confiscations have severely impacted the livelihoods of our fishermen. Rapid diplomatic intervention is crucial to protect their rights,” he stated. Since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has detained 425 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and confiscated 58 fishing boats. These frequent detentions have incited widespread protests, with fishermen accusing both the Union and State governments of failing to provide a long-term solution.

Former Union Minister and President of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Anbumani Ramadoss, has called on the Indian government to adopt strong measures against Sri Lanka’s actions. He stressed the necessity of resolving maritime boundary disputes to ensure that Tamil Nadu fishermen can pursue their traditional livelihoods without fear or uncertainty.

With additional protests scheduled across coastal districts, fishermen’s associations continue to demand an immediate and enduring resolution through diplomatic channels.