Fishing operations were halted in parts of the Ramanathapuram coast in Tamil Nadu following the arrest of 22 fishermen from Rameswaram and Mandapam by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen were detained while fishing in the Palk Strait and were taken into custody near Katchatheevu and Neduntheevu islets. They have been remanded to 15 days of judicial custody by a Sri Lankan court.
Members of various fishermen associations staged a day-long strike to protest the arrests and called on the Union government to secure the release of the detained fishermen. Fishermen leader Jesu Raja criticized the government for its perceived inaction and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue with the Sri Lankan leadership to prevent future incidents.
A demonstration held at Thangachimadam saw over 400 participants, including boat owners and crew members, expressing solidarity with the arrested fishermen. The recurring arrests in the Palk Strait have not only led to financial distress for many families but have also resulted in the impoundment of numerous mechanised boats by Sri Lankan authorities, causing heavy losses for boat owners.
The detained fishermen’s families often struggle to pay fines imposed by Sri Lankan courts, which can lead to prolonged imprisonment if not settled. The fishermen have appealed to the Union government to find a diplomatic resolution, ensure the safe return of the jailed fishermen, and facilitate the release of impounded boats to protect their livelihoods.
