Chennai, Feb 24 (NationPress) Fishermen associations across Tamil Nadu are preparing for extensive protests in response to the frequent arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and the confiscation of their mechanized boats.

V.P. Sesuraja, president of the Traditional Indian Fishermen Welfare Association, emphasized that the Sri Lankan Navy has detained Tamil Nadu fishermen on four distinct occasions this month alone. Since the start of 2025, a total of 119 fishermen and 16 boats have been seized.

Sesuraja further pointed out the financial burden on families, who often have to pay substantial fines imposed by Sri Lankan authorities to secure the release of imprisoned fishermen. Due to the fear of additional arrests and boat confiscations, many fishermen are now reluctant to venture into the sea.

In light of this situation, fishermen’s associations have resolved to organize widespread protests throughout Tamil Nadu’s coastal areas. The escalating crisis has reignited demands for intervention from the Indian government.

Antony John, a leader of the fishermen association, informed IANS that associations in all coastal districts of the state would collectively decide on a date for the large-scale protests aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing arrests.

He also called for actions to be taken by the Centre for the immediate release of all detained fishermen, retrieval of confiscated fishing boats, and a bilateral agreement between India and Sri Lanka to permanently address the issue.

The fishermen’s associations have sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging immediate diplomatic action to prevent mid-sea arrests and safeguard the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Rajagopal C.M., a fishermen’s leader from Thangachimadam, criticized the government’s inaction, stating that numerous detained fishermen remain in Sri Lankan prisons, causing severe financial distress for their families. He noted that since 2018, approximately 270 trawlers have been confiscated, further endangering their ability to sustain their livelihoods.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has also addressed the issue, urging the Central government to assemble a Joint Working Group to identify a permanent solution.

In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, CM Stalin raised concerns about the recent detention of 32 Indian fishermen and five boats by the Sri Lankan Navy. He expressed alarm over the increasing frequency of such incidents, despite repeated appeals to Colombo to stop these arrests.

“The ongoing detention of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy has reached critical levels. Since January 2025, there have been eight separate incidents, leading to the arrest of 119 fishermen and the seizure of 16 boats,” CM Stalin wrote.

He further urged the External Affairs Minister to adopt strong diplomatic measures to prevent further arrests and ensure the safety of Tamil fishermen.

Former Union Minister and PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss has also urged the Centre to take decisive action against Sri Lanka’s actions. He emphasized the urgent need to resolve maritime boundary disputes to guarantee that Tamil Nadu fishermen can continue their traditional livelihoods without fear.

With protests scheduled across multiple coastal districts, fishermen’s associations remain steadfast in their demand for an immediate and lasting resolution through diplomatic channels.