Tamil Nadu: Sri Lanka Navy arrests 10 fishermen

The Sri Lanka Navy has arrested 10 fishermen hailing from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly trespassing into its territorial waters. Three mechanised fishing boats were also seized during the late-night operation on 19 February, Wednesday.

Tamil Nadu coastal police officials confirmed that the fishermen were apprehended for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Following the arrests, the families of the detained fishermen, along with local fishing communities, have urged both the central and state governments to take immediate action to secure their release. Fishermen's association leaders have announced plans for large-scale protests in Rameswaram and other coastal areas on Thursday, 20 February, condemning the continued arrests.

Just 10 days ago, on 9 February, Sri Lankan authorities arrested 14 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized their mechanised fishing boat. The fishermen, who had set out to sea from Rameswaram, were taken to Jaffna for questioning.

A similar incident occurred on 3 February, when 10 fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested for allegedly crossing the IMBL.

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested several Tamil Nadu fishermen in recent weeks. On 26 January, 34 fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam were arrested and three fishing boats were seized, after another 13 fishermen from Rameswaram had been detained a week before and their mechanised boat confiscated.

Fishermen's associations have strongly condemned these repeated arrests, calling them a major threat to their livelihood. Antony John, a fishermen's association leader from Rameswaram, expressed deep concern over the escalating detentions.

"The Sri Lankan Navy is arresting our fishermen regularly. They have even fired at our men, injuring two of them. This has to stop," he said.

He also highlighted the dangers of fishing in the Palk Bay, where fishermen risk losing their boats, equipment and means of livelihood. Fishermen's leaders have urged the Indian government to take swift diplomatic action to secure the release of detained fishermen and recover impounded boats.

They have also called for a permanent resolution through a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka. Fishermen's associations across Tamil Nadu have sent letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting urgent intervention to prevent further arrests and protect coastal communities.

Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin had earlier written to external affairs minister S. Jaishankar, urging diplomatic efforts to secure the release of detained fishermen.

In his letter, Stalin emphasised the severe economic impact of repeated arrests and boat seizures. 'The recurring arrests and confiscations have severely affected the livelihoods of our fishermen. Swift diplomatic intervention is essential to safeguard their rights,' he stated.

According to reports, since 16 June 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 425 Tamil Nadu fishermen and seized 58 fishing boats.

These frequent arrests have triggered widespread protests, with fishermen accusing the Union and State governments of failing to provide a lasting solution. Former Union Minister and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) President Anbumani Ramadoss has called on the Indian government to take strong measures against Sri Lanka's actions. He stressed the urgent need to resolve maritime boundary disputes to ensure the safety and security of Tamil Nadu fishermen.