Chennai: The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested nine Indian fishermen and seized their fishing trawler for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and engaging in fishing activities inside Sri Lankan territorial waters.

The arrests were made during a maritime surveillance operation after naval personnel detected several Indian fishing boats allegedly operating in Sri Lankan waters.

The fishermen were reportedly intercepted north of Talaimannar after they allegedly entered Sri Lanka’s maritime zone without authorisation.

One trawler intercepted during naval operation

According to the Sri Lankan Navy, more than 50 Indian fishing trawlers were allegedly found operating south of Iranativu and engaged in fishing activities when the enforcement operation was launched.

During the operation, naval personnel intercepted one fishing trawler and detained the nine fishermen onboard. The seized vessel was also taken into custody.

The arrested fishermen and the impounded trawler were later handed over to the Fisheries Inspector in Mannar for further legal action under Sri Lankan fisheries regulations.

The identities of the arrested fishermen have not yet been disclosed.

Fishing dispute remains a major India-Sri Lanka issue

The latest arrests have once again highlighted the long-standing fishing dispute between India and Sri Lanka, particularly involving fishermen from Tamil Nadu and the waters of the Palk Strait.

Tamil Nadu fishermen have frequently demanded access to traditional fishing areas, while Sri Lankan authorities have maintained strict action against what they describe as illegal fishing in their territorial waters.

Colombo has repeatedly raised concerns over the use of mechanised bottom trawlers, claiming they damage marine ecosystems and affect local fishing communities.

Fishermen issue continues despite diplomatic efforts

Indian fishermen have often maintained that the narrow maritime boundary, declining fish availability and difficult sea conditions sometimes lead to accidental crossings.

The Palk Strait, located between Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka, remains a sensitive fishing zone where fishermen from both countries are frequently detained over alleged boundary violations.

According to figures released by the Sri Lankan Navy, 128 Indian fishermen had been arrested and 18 Indian fishing trawlers seized until April 15 this year for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

Both countries have held several rounds of diplomatic discussions to resolve the issue, but arrests and boat seizures continue to occur periodically.