Protest Planned by Tamil Nadu Fishermen Against Lankan Navy Arrests on January 31
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Synopsis
Tamil Nadu fishermen associations are set to protest in Rameswaram on January 31 against the Sri Lankan Navy's ongoing arrests of Indian fishermen. They demand immediate action from the Indian government to secure the release of detained fishermen and protect their livelihoods.
Key Takeaways
- Protest scheduled on January 31 in Rameswaram.
- 34 fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy on January 26.
- India formally protested against firing on fishermen.
- Demands include release of detained fishermen and bilateral agreements.
- Ongoing arrests have led to increased frustration among local fishermen.
Chennai, Jan 29 (NationPress) Fishermen associations in Tamil Nadu are gearing up for a significant protest in Rameswaram on Friday, January 31, due to the ongoing arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Fishermen along with their families will take part in this demonstration, urging the Centre to take immediate action on this pressing issue.
This protest follows the Sri Lankan Navy's arrest of 34 fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam on Sunday, January 26, and the confiscation of three fishing boats.
The arrested fishermen were presented before the Killinochchi Court, which has remanded them in custody until February 5.
In a separate incident on January 28, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 13 additional fishermen from Rameswaram, seizing their mechanized boats and even firing upon them.
In light of this, India summoned the Sri Lankan envoy in New Delhi to formally register a protest regarding the firing incident involving the 13 Indian fishermen near Delft Island.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Priyanga Wickramasinghe, while the Indian High Commission in Colombo addressed the issue with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Fishermen's associations have denounced the ongoing detentions, viewing them as a grave threat to their livelihoods.
Antony John, a leader of the fishermen’s association from Rameswaram, expressed his deep apprehension regarding the rising number of arrests.
“The Sri Lankan Navy is consistently arresting our fishermen. Just this Tuesday, they opened fire on our men, injuring two. This must come to an end,” he stated.
John further lamented that fishing in the Palk Bay has become increasingly perilous, with fishermen losing their livelihoods, boats, and fishing gear to the Sri Lankan authorities.
Fishermen’s leaders are calling on the Indian government to take prompt diplomatic measures.
Key demands include the immediate release of the detained fishermen, return of confiscated fishing vessels, and a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka to permanently resolve the ongoing conflict.
Fishermen’s associations throughout Tamil Nadu have also reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging swift action to avert mid-sea arrests and safeguard the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin previously wrote to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on January 12, 2025, calling for diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the detained fishermen.
In his letter, CM Stalin emphasized the economic hardships caused by repeated arrests and boat seizures, stating: “The ongoing arrests and confiscations have severely disrupted our fishermen's livelihoods. Urgent diplomatic intervention is critical to protect their rights.”
In response, S. Jaishankar reportedly discussed the situation with Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake during his recent visit to India.
However, despite diplomatic talks, the arrests persist, fueling frustration within fishing communities.
Since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has detained 425 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized 58 fishing vessels.
The frequent arrests have triggered widespread protests, with fishermen accusing both the Union and State governments of failing to provide a sustainable solution.
Rajagopal C.M., a fishermen’s leader from Thangachimadam, criticized the government’s inaction, noting that numerous detained fishermen remain in Sri Lankan prisons, leaving their families in dire financial straits.
Fishermen’s leaders have also highlighted that since 2018, approximately 270 trawlers have been confiscated, significantly diminishing their capacity to maintain their livelihoods.
Former Union Minister and PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss has called on the Indian government to take decisive action against Sri Lanka’s measures.
He stressed the necessity of resolving maritime boundary disputes to ensure that Tamil Nadu fishermen can pursue their traditional occupations without fear or uncertainty.
With protests scheduled across coastal districts, fishermen’s associations are steadfastly demanding an immediate and enduring resolution through diplomatic channels.
