Chennai: On Thursday, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 14 fishermen from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, while they were fishing near Katchatheevu, seizing two of their boats in the process.
The fishermen were arrested early in the morning for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) into Sri Lankan waters. Witnesses reported that the Sri Lankan Navy violently attacked them, damaging their fishing nets and GPS devices, and even ramming their boats, causing additional harm.
This incident follows the arrest of 18 Tamil Nadu fishermen on December 3 near Neduntheevu for similar allegations of illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters. According to Tamil Nadu coastal police, these fishermen were also taken to Kangesan Naval Base for further investigation.
The ongoing arrests have created significant distress within the fishing community, leading to increased demands for action from both the central and state governments to prevent such incidents. Since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has reportedly detained 425 Tamil Nadu fishermen and confiscated 58 boats, with many still held in Sri Lankan jails. During a recent visit to Sri Lanka, India’s Union External Affairs Minister raised concerns about these arrests with the Sri Lankan government, urging them to take steps to prevent further detentions and seizures.
Despite these discussions, the arrests continue, prompting fishermen’s associations in Tamil Nadu to plan large protests throughout coastal districts. A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, expressed that the livelihoods of fishermen are under serious threat, causing distress for thousands of families dependent on fishing. He noted a pervasive fear among fishermen and their families about going out to sea.
Thajudhin also mentioned that the Sri Lankan government is nationalizing mechanized fishing boats seized from Tamil Nadu fishermen, a move that could devastate the industry as many fishermen have taken loans to buy these costly boats. The fishermen’s association has appealed to the Prime Minister for intervention to stop mid-sea arrests and the confiscation of mechanized boats, which are vital to their livelihoods.
K.M. Periasamy, a fishermen leader from Ramanathapuram, highlighted the emotional and financial strain on fishermen and their families due to the frequent arrests and attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy. He plans to meet with the Prime Minister and the Union External Affairs Minister to discuss these pressing issues, emphasizing that Tamil fishermen venture into the sea for fishing, not illegal activities, and calling for the Indian government to resolve the matter with Sri Lankan authorities at the highest level.