Union Government Urged to Act for Release of Tamil Fishermen Detained by Sri Lankan Navy: PMK

Chennai, Dec 8 (NationPress) The president of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has called for the immediate intervention of the Union government to ensure the release of Tamil fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Ramadoss reported that 40 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy in the last week.

The recent arrests have incited protests from the fishermen and their families, who are demanding urgent action. “These arrests challenge India’s sovereignty,” the former Union Minister emphasized, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.

He highlighted that in 2024 alone, 569 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested, and 73 boats were confiscated by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Ramadoss called on the Union government to ensure the immediate release of the detained fishermen and urged collaborative efforts between the Central and state governments to find a lasting solution to this ongoing predicament.

On Sunday (December 8), the Sri Lankan Navy detained eight fishermen from Rameswaram for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing near Neduntheevu.

Additionally, two mechanized fishing vessels were seized. The detained fishermen were taken to the Kankesanturai Port Camp for investigation and are anticipated to be handed over to Jaffna Fisheries Department officials.

This event followed the arrest of 14 Tamil Nadu fishermen on December 4, along with the seizure of two fishing vessels near Katchatheevu.

The detained fishermen reported being violently attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy, which allegedly damaged their fishing nets and GPS equipment.

Some fishermen accused the Navy of ramming their boats, leading to significant damage.

On December 3, another 18 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were detained near Neduntheevu for supposedly crossing the IMBL. They, along with their vessels, were taken to the Kankesan Naval Base for further investigation.

The ongoing arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen have caused widespread distress within the fishing community.

According to the Tamil Nadu Coastal Police, Sri Lankan authorities have charged the fishermen with illegally entering Sri Lankan waters and engaging in unauthorized fishing activities.

Many of the detained fishermen remain in Sri Lankan jails, prompting widespread protests and calls for government intervention.

During a recent visit to Sri Lanka, the Union External Affairs Minister discussed the issue with the Sri Lankan government, advocating for measures to prevent further arrests and seizures.

Nonetheless, the arrests have continued, heightening fears among the fishing community.

A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, expressed concern over the escalating hardships faced by fishermen and their families.

“The livelihoods of our fishermen are under threat. Thousands of families relying on fishing and related activities are experiencing severe challenges. A profound sense of fear has already enveloped fishermen and their families regarding venturing out to sea,” he stated.

Thajudhin also condemned the Sri Lankan government’s move to nationalize seized mechanized fishing boats, asserting that it would devastate the fishing industry.

“Numerous fishermen have taken loans to acquire these expensive boats, anticipating repayment through their earnings,” he elaborated.

Fishermen’s associations throughout Tamil Nadu have announced extensive protests in coastal districts.

They have also reached out to the Prime Minister, imploring him to intervene and halt mid-sea arrests and the confiscation of mechanized boats crucial for their livelihoods.