By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Sri Lankan Navy on Thursday has arrested 10 fishermen, hailed from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, for allegedly trespassing into its territorial waters according to media reports.
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.
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 after the arrest.
Fishermen’s association leaders have announced plans for large-scale protests in Rameswaram and other coastal areas on Thursday, condemned the continued arrests.
Sri Lankan authorities arrested 14 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized their mechanized fishing boat earlier.
The fishermen had set out to sea from Rameswaram, were taken to Jaffna for questioning.
A similar incident occurred on February 3, when 10 fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested for allegedly crossing the IMBL.
Sri Lankan Navy has arrested several Tamil Nadu fishermen in recent weeks.
On January 26, 34 fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam were arrested, and three fishing boats were seized while another 13 fishermen from Rameswaram were detained a week before and their mechanised boat was confiscated.
Fishermen’s associations have strongly condemned these repeated arrests, calling them a major threat to their livelihood.
Antony John, a fishermen’s association leader from Rameswaram, expressed deep concern over the escalating detentions.
“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 highlighted the dangers of fishing in the Palk Bay, where fishermen risk losing their boats, equipment, and means of livelihood.
Fishermen’s leaders have urged the Indian government to take swift diplomatic action to secure the release of detained fishermen and recover impounded boats.
They have called for a permanent resolution through a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka.
Fishermen’s associations across Tamil Nadu have sent letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requested urgent intervention to prevent further arrests and protect coastal communities.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had earlier written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urged diplomatic efforts to secure the release of detained fishermen.
Stalin emphasized in a letter 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 accused the Union and State governments of failing to provide a lasting solution.
Former Union Minister and Pattali Makkal Katchi 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.
The post Sri Lanka Navy arrested 10 Indian fishermen appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
