Fishermen in Ramanathapuram district are planning to start an indefinite strike from Monday to protest against the recent arrest of three Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and the ongoing confiscation of Indian fishing boats. The Mandapam Fishermen Association has called for this protest, which is likely to disrupt fishing operations in the area due to growing frustration over repeated detentions and perceived lack of protection for their livelihoods.
The three fishermen, identified as Amostin A (24), Jonedass S (37), and Paraloga Jebastian Anrose A (25), were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy on allegations of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). They were fishing near Neduntheevu when intercepted by Sri Lankan naval personnel while sailing in a boat registered under Joseph of Mandapam. Following their arrest, the fishermen were taken for questioning at a Sri Lankan Navy camp and then transferred to the Jaffna Fisheries Department at the Mailady fishing harbor along with their impounded boat.
The recent arrests have sparked strong reactions within the fishing community, particularly coming shortly after a similar incident on December 23 when 12 fishermen from Rameswaram were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy. This previous event led to a one-day strike and a series of protests calling for diplomatic intervention. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has condemned these arrests and reached out to External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, urging immediate action to secure the release of the detained fishermen and their boats.
Expressing concern over the continuous apprehension of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the distress and anxiety faced by coastal communities. He highlighted that 61 fishermen and 248 fishing boats from Tamil Nadu are currently in Sri Lankan custody, urging swift diplomatic measures to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of Indian fishermen. Amid escalating tensions, fishing communities across Ramanathapuram district have declared their refusal to resume work until substantial efforts are made to secure the release of their fellow fishermen and provide lasting protection for those reliant on the sea for their livelihoods.
