Sri Lankan naval personnel detained 12 fishermen from Tamil Nadu for allegedly fishing in international waters, causing tensions in the Palk Strait region. The arrested fishermen, from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam, were apprehended between Dhanushkodi and Talaimannar by the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing.
The fishermen, accused of illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters, were taken to a naval port in Sri Lanka for legal action. Despite receiving fishing tokens, questions arose about the regulatory compliance of their vessel, owned by Jothibas from Thangachimadam. Among those arrested are Prabhat (28), James Heiton (29), and Antony (32), who are the main providers for their families.
The arrests have caused concern among fishing communities in Rameswaram and nearby villages, urging government intervention for the fishermen’s release. Local fishermen are distressed by the repeated arrests and boat confiscations, impacting their livelihoods severely. Fishermen’s associations plan to hold an emergency meeting to discuss potential protests and seek government assistance.
