Sri Lankan Navy arrests 18 TN fishermen for crossing maritime border

Chennai: The Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 18 fishermen from Tamil Nadu on Tuesday for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing near Neduntheevu.

Tamil Nadu Coastal Police reported that the fishermen were accused by Sri Lankan authorities of illegally entering their waters and engaging in unauthorized fishing. The 18 fishermen, who were on two boats, have been taken to the Kangesan Naval Base for further investigation.

The repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen have caused significant distress within the local fishing community, prompting calls for stronger measures from both the central and state governments to prevent such incidents. Since June 16, the Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 425 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized 58 fishing boats. Many of these fishermen remain imprisoned in Sri Lankan jails.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised the issue during a recent visit to Sri Lanka, urging the country to take action to prevent further arrests and boat seizures. Despite these discussions, the arrests have continued, leading fishermen's associations in Tamil Nadu to plan large-scale protests across coastal districts.

A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, expressed that the livelihood of the region's fishermen was under serious threat. He pointed out that thousands of families dependent on fishing were facing severe hardships, and a growing sense of fear had emerged among them about venturing into the sea. Thajudhin also highlighted concerns about Sri Lanka’s plan to nationalize mechanized fishing boats seized from Tamil Nadu. He explained that many fishermen had taken loans to purchase these boats, and this new development could lead to financial ruin.

The fishermen’s associations have called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and put an end to the mid-sea arrests and the seizure of fishing boats, which are vital to their livelihoods.

K. M. Periasamy, a fisherman leader from Ramanathapuram, emphasized the emotional and financial impact on the families of fishermen. He described how regular arrests and attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy had caused significant distress. Periasamy noted that the seizure of mechanized boats was financially devastating for families who were unable to repay loans for their purchase. He underscored that Tamil fishermen go to sea for their livelihood and not for any unlawful activities, urging the Indian government to address the matter at the highest level with Sri Lankan authorities.

With IANS inputs