Ten Fishermen Detained by Sri Lankan Navy; Fishing Vessel Confiscated
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Synopsis
On February 3, ten fishermen from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line. Their mechanised boat was also confiscated, prompting protests from local fishermen's associations seeking government intervention and a resolution to ongoing maritime disputes.
Key Takeaways
- Ten fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
- Incident occurred near the International Maritime Boundary Line.
- Protests erupted in response to increasing detentions.
- Fishermen's associations demand swift government action.
- Ongoing maritime disputes continue to threaten livelihoods.
Chennai, Feb 3 (NationPress) Ten fishermen from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy in the early hours of Monday for allegedly breaching the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Officials from the Tamil Nadu coastal police confirmed that the fishermen were apprehended, and their mechanised boat was confiscated by Sri Lankan authorities.
The detained fishermen, along with their vessel, were transported to Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
They are scheduled to appear before a local court and will be placed under judicial custody.
This occurrence follows a string of similar detentions in recent weeks.
On Sunday, January 26, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 34 fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam, seizing three fishing boats in the process.
The detained fishermen were brought before the Killinochchi Court, which ordered their remand until February 5.
In another incident on Tuesday, January 28, 13 additional fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested, with their mechanised boat being seized as well.
Fishermen’s associations have vehemently criticized these ongoing arrests, describing them as a grave threat to their livelihoods.
In light of the continual detentions, Tamil Nadu fishermen organized a large protest in Rameswaram on Friday, January 31.
Fishermen and their families participated en masse, calling for immediate intervention from the Central government.
Antony John, a leader of the fishermen’s association from Rameswaram, voiced serious concerns regarding the rising number of arrests.
“The Sri Lankan Navy is consistently detaining our fishermen. On Tuesday (January 28), they even fired at our men, injuring two. This must end,” he remarked.
John further lamented that fishing in the Palk Bay has become perilous, with fishermen not only losing their livelihoods but also their boats and fishing gear to Sri Lankan authorities.
Fishermen’s leaders have urged the Indian government to act swiftly on a diplomatic level. Their immediate demands include the prompt release of fishermen detained in Sri Lankan prisons.
Additionally, leaders have called for the return of confiscated fishing boats and a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka to permanently resolve the ongoing issue.
Leaders of fishermen’s associations throughout Tamil Nadu have also reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking urgent action to prevent mid-sea arrests and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin previously wrote to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on January 12, 2025, requesting diplomatic measures to secure the release of detained fishermen.
In his correspondence, CM Stalin emphasized the economic hardship caused by ongoing arrests and boat seizures.
“The frequent arrests and confiscation of boats have greatly affected the livelihoods of our fishermen. Rapid diplomatic action is vital to protect their rights,” he stated.
In response, S. Jaishankar reportedly brought the issue to the attention of Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake during his visit to India.
Despite these diplomatic discussions, the arrests have persisted, causing increasing frustration within the fishing community.
Since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has detained 425 Tamil Nadu fishermen and confiscated 58 fishing boats.
The frequent arrests have led to widespread protests, with fishermen accusing both the Union and State governments of failing to provide a sustainable solution.
Rajagopal C.M., a leader among fishermen from Thangachimadam, criticized the government's inaction, stating that numerous detained fishermen remain in Sri Lankan prisons, leaving their families in dire financial situations.
Fishermen’s leaders also pointed out that since 2018, approximately 270 trawlers have been seized, severely affecting their ability to earn a living.
Former Union Minister and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) President Anbumani Ramadoss has called on the Indian government to take decisive action against Sri Lanka’s behavior.
He stressed the importance of resolving maritime boundary conflicts to ensure that Tamil Nadu fishermen can engage in their traditional livelihoods without fear or uncertainty.
With protests scheduled across coastal districts, fishermen’s associations continue to demand immediate and lasting resolutions through diplomatic channels.
