A one-day protest took place in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, where motor-boat fishermen suspended fishing activities to demand the release of 12 fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for crossing the maritime boundary. The detained fishermen, all from Rameswaram, were causing distress among their families after being jailed by the Sri Lankan authorities.
Families of the arrested fishermen staged a road blockade on the national highway at Thangachimadam, with over 300 people, including many women relatives, participating in the protest. The demonstration caused traffic disruptions on the highway, prompting officials to intervene and hold discussions with the protesters to address their concerns.
Following assurances from officials that immediate measures would be taken to secure the fishermen’s release, the protesters dispersed peacefully. Additionally, a joint meeting of power-boat fishermen associations urged the governments to take urgent action to rescue the detained fishermen and address the long-standing issue of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody.
Fishermen resolved to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his upcoming visit to Rameswaram on January 13 to present their demands. They also planned a protest demonstration in front of the Rameswaram bus stand on January 26 if their demands are not met, seeking a permanent solution to the fishermen issue in the Palk Strait region.
