- विज्ञापन -
Chennai: The Sri Lankan Navy has apprehended eight fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing near Neduntheevu. The arrests occurred in the early hours of Sunday, and two expensive mechanized fishing vessels were also confiscated.
The detained fishermen have been taken to the Kankesanturai Port Camp for questioning and are expected to be handed over to officials from the Jaffna Fisheries Department afterward.
This incident follows the earlier arrest of 14 fishermen on December 4, along with the seizure of two vessels near Katchatheevu. Witnesses reported that the Sri Lankan Navy aggressively confronted them, damaging their fishing nets and GPS equipment. Some fishermen claimed their boats were intentionally rammed, causing significant damage.
On December 3, 18 Tamil Nadu fishermen were also detained near Neduntheevu for allegedly crossing the IMBL, along with their two boats taken to the Kangesan Naval Base for investigation.
The ongoing arrests have caused considerable distress among the local fishing community. Tamil Nadu Coastal Police indicate that Sri Lankan authorities accuse these fishermen of illegally entering their waters for fishing.
Since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has reportedly arrested 425 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized 58 boats, with many still held in Sri Lankan jails, prompting widespread protests and calls for government action.
During a recent visit to Sri Lanka, the Union External Affairs Minister raised this issue with the Sri Lankan government, urging them to take steps to prevent further arrests and boat seizures. However, the arrests persist, heightening fears among fishermen.
A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, highlighted the increasing hardships faced by fishermen and their families, stating, “The livelihood of our fishermen is under threat. Thousands of families dependent on fishing and related activities are experiencing significant difficulties. There is a growing fear among fishermen and their families about going out to sea.”
Thajudhin also expressed concerns regarding the Sri Lankan government’s decision to nationalize seized mechanized fishing boats, warning that this could devastate the industry, as many fishermen have incurred debts to purchase these costly vessels with the expectation of repaying them through their earnings.
Fishermen’s associations throughout Tamil Nadu are organizing large protests in coastal districts and have written to the Prime Minister, urging him to intervene and halt the mid-sea arrests and seizure of mechanized boats, which are crucial to their livelihoods.
