Chennai: The Sri Lankan Navy has taken 32 fishermen from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, into custody for allegedly violating the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
The arrests were made during the early morning hours of Sunday. Five costly mechanized boats were also seized by the Sri Lankan authorities.
According to Rameswaram fishermen leaders, the arrested fishermen were taken to Jaffna, Sri Lanka, for further questioning.
In a similar incident on February 19, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 10 fishermen from Rameswaram for allegedly entering its territorial waters. Three mechanized fishing boats were also seized during the late-night operation on Wednesday.
Tamil Nadu coastal Police officials confirmed that the fishermen were apprehended for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
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 condemning the continued arrests.
The detention of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy has become a recurring issue. Over the past month, there have been multiple incidents of arrest and boat seizure. On February 9, 14 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested and their boat seized. Another incident occurred on February 3, when 10 fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Earlier, on January 26, 34 fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam were arrested, and three fishing boats were seized. Additionally, 13 fishermen from Rameswaram were detained on January 19, and their mechanized boat was confiscated.
“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 associations across Tamil Nadu have sent letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting urgent intervention to prevent further arrests and protect coastal communities.
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, CM Stalin emphasized 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 June 16, 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 both the Union and state governments of failing to provide a lasting solution.
Former Union Minister and 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. With more protests planned across coastal districts, fishermen’s associations continue to demand an immediate and lasting resolution through diplomatic efforts.
(Inputs from IANS)