Thirteen Fishermen from Tamil Nadu Arrive in Chennai After Release from Sri Lankan Custody

Chennai, March 20 (NationPress) Thirteen fishermen from Tamil Nadu, including one who suffered gunshot injuries, have returned to Chennai following their release from Sri Lankan custody.

The fishermen were freed late last night.

Originating from Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal, they were detained by the Sri Lankan Coast Guard on January 27 for allegedly violating the International Maritime Boundary Line.

During the incident, Senthamizh, a 27-year-old fisherman from Karaikal, was injured when the Sri Lankan Navy opened fire, resulting in a bullet wound to his right leg. He received medical attention in Sri Lanka before being repatriated.

Upon landing at Chennai Airport, Senthamizh was swiftly transported by ambulance to MGM Private Hospital in Aminjikarai for additional medical treatment.

The other 12 fishermen were received by officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department and were provided transport to their respective hometowns.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin had called upon the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene and ensure their release, which led to negotiations between Indian diplomats and Sri Lankan authorities, resulting in the fishermen's liberation.

Emergency travel documents were issued to aid in their return to India.

Since 2025, a total of 119 Indian fishermen and 16 boats have been seized by Sri Lankan authorities, heightening tensions between the two nations.

VP Sesuraja, a leader among Tamil Nadu fishermen, underscored the significant financial strain on families of detained fishermen, who often find it challenging to pay large fines imposed by Sri Lanka.

Frequent arrests and boat confiscations have created a climate of fear among Tamil Nadu's fishing communities, with many fishermen now reluctant to go out to sea.

In light of ongoing detentions, fishermen's associations across Tamil Nadu are organizing extensive protests.

Antony John, a leader from one such association, mentioned that all coastal districts will soon finalize a date for demonstrations against the persistent arrests and boat seizures.

He urged the Union government to take decisive action to secure the release of all detained fishermen, recover confiscated boats, and negotiate a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka to avert future incidents.

Fishermen's associations have also contacted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pressing for urgent diplomatic efforts 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 lack of action, highlighting that many Indian fishermen remain incarcerated in Sri Lanka. He noted that since 2018, approximately 270 trawlers have been seized, severely impacting fishermen's ability to earn a living.

Chief Minister Stalin reiterated the necessity for robust diplomatic intervention to prevent future arrests and guarantee the safety of Tamil fishermen.

He emphasized that resolving this enduring issue is vital for the survival of the fishing community.